Magneto-optical recording method using the relation of beam diameter and an aperture of converging lens

ABSTRACT

Featured is a recording and reproducing method for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium. The medium includes a base having a property that a light can be transmitted therethrough, a readout layer formed on the base, which has an in-plane magnetization at room temperature, whereas, a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization as temperature rises and a recording layer formed on said readout layer for recording thereon information magneto-optically. A groove for guiding a light beam is formed on a readout layer side of the base and a groove width is set substantially equal to a land width formed between grooves. The recording layer on the grooves and the recording layer on lands are used in recording and reproducing information. Further a light beam is incident on a converging lens of an optical head, the light beam having a larger diameter ω than an aperture α of the converging lens for converging the light beam on a predetermined position of the magneto-optical recording medium.

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.08/147,373, filed Nov. 3, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,707, theteachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a magneto-optical recording medium suchas a magneto-optical disk, a magneto-optical tape, a magneto-opticalcard, and also relates to a recording and reproducing method and anoptical head designed for the magneto-optical recording medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Research and development on magneto-optical disks have been made asbeing rewritable optical disks, and some of the magneto-optical diskshave been already practically used as external memory designed forcomputers.

In the magneto-optical disk, a magnetic thin film with perpendicularmagnetization is used as a recording medium, and a light is used inrecording and reproducing. Thus, compared with a floppy disk or a harddisk wherein a magnetic thin film with in-plane magnetization is used,the magneto-optical disk has larger recording capacity.

However, since recording density of the magneto-optical recording mediumis determined by a size of the light beam used in recording andreproducing on the recording medium, there is a limit in increasingmemory capacity.

More specifically, when the size of the recording bit and the intervalbetween the recording bits are smaller than the light beam spotdiameter, a plurality of recording bits exist including the adjoiningrecording bits in the light beam spot, which increases noise, therebypresenting the problem that the recording bits cannot be reproducedseparately.

In order to increase the recording density, the diameter of the lightbeam spot can be made smaller by making shorter the wavelength of thelaser (light source), or by making larger the number of aperture (NA) ofthe objective lens so as to have greater angle of conversion.

In order to produce a laser with a shorter wavelength, a semiconductorlaser designed for producing a short wavelength laser has beenresearched and developed. However, the semiconductor laser of this typepresents the problem that an output light intensity is too low to beused as a light source for recording and reproducing on and from themagneto-optical disk.

On the other hand, when adapting a method of making larger the NA, it isnecessary to maintain the optical axis of the light beam to be convergedonto the disk in a perpendicular direction to the surface of themagneto-optical disk. Otherwise, the light beam spot diameter on therecording medium becomes larger on the contrary. Namely, when the NA ismade larger, the precision in assembling optical system of themagneto-optical disk device or the restitution of the magneto-opticaldisk must be more strictly controlled than the conventional model, inorder to prevent the problem that the light beam spot diameter becomeslarger.

Therefore, at present, a wavelength of the semiconductor laser used inthe magneto-optical disk is set in a range of 780-830 nm, and the NA ofthe objective lens is set in a range of 0.45-0.55. Accordingly, a lightbeam spot diameter on the recording medium is set in a range of 1.7-2.0μm.

In accordance with the light beam spot diameter, a truck pitch of themagneto-optical disk, i.e., an interval between the recording bits in aradial direction of the magneto-optical disk is set in a range of1.4-1.6 μm.

If the light beam spot diameter is made smaller than the above, it isnecessary to prevent the crosstalk which disturbs information recordedon the adjoining trucks. In order to prevent the crosstalk, acompensating circuit for carrying out a special waveform processing isrequired to be separately provided, thereby presenting the problem thatthe magneto-optical disk device becomes complicated.

In the case of carrying out an overwriting operation by the magneticfield modulation onto the magneto-optical disk, in order to obtain asufficient size of the magnetic field, the magnetic field generationmechanism is required to be set close to the magneto-optical disk.Moreover, the magnetic field cannot be modulated at high speed.

In order to counteract the above problems, as disclosed in the JapaneseLaid Open Patent Publication No. 62-175948 (Tokukaisho 175948/1987), anoverwriting method by the light intensity modulation in which using amagneto-optical recording medium of a double layer structure of arecording layer composed of a magnetic thin film with perpendicularmagnetization and a recording subsidiary layer, an overwriting operationis carried out by modulating only the laser power has been proposed.

In the above overwriting method by the light intensity modulation, whencarrying out an overwriting operation, the magnetization direction ofthe recording subsidiary layer also changes. Thus, whenever anoverwriting operation is to be carried out, it is necessary to arrangethe magnetization direction of the recording subsidiary layer. Whenadapting the above method, not only the recording magnetic fieldgenerating mechanism, an initialization-use magnetic field generatingmechanism is also required, thereby presenting the problems that themagneto-optical disk device becomes larger in size and that themanufacturing costs thereof increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a magneto-opticalrecording medium whereon a high density recording is permitted and toprovide a method of recording and reproducing information on and fromthe recording medium and also to provide an optical head used inrecording and reproducing information on and from the magneto-opticalmedium.

In order to achieve the above object, the magneto-optical recordingmedium of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

a base having a property that a light can be transmitted therethrough;

a readout layer formed on said base, which has in-plane magnetization atroom temperature, whereas, a transition occurs from in-planemagnetization to perpendicular magnetization as temperature rises; and

a recording layer formed on the readout layer, for recording thereoninformation magneto-optically. According to the above arrangement, inreproducing, when a light beam is projected onto the readout layer, thetemperature distribution of the light projected portion shows a Gaussiandistribution, and thus only the temperature of the central portion whichis smaller than the light beam diameter is raised.

As the temperature rises, a transition occurs in the light projectedportion form in-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization.Here, by the exchange coupling force exerted between the readout layerand the recording layer, the magnetization direction of the readoutlayer is arranged in the magnetization direction of the recording layer.

When a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicularmagnetization in the portion having a temperature rise, polar Kerreffect is shown only in the portion, thereby reproducing informationbased on the light reflected therefrom.

When a light beam is shifted so as to reproduce the next recording bit,the temperature of the previously reproduced potion is cooled off, andthus a transition occurs from perpendicular magnetization to in-planemagnetization in the portion and the polar Kerr effect is no longershown in the portion. This means that the magnetization recorded on therecording layer ifs not readout by being masked by the in-planemagnetization of the readout layer. Therefore, information is no longerreproduced from the spot having the temperature drop and thusinterference by signals from the adjoining bits, which is the case ofgenerating noise is eliminated.

As described, in the above arrangement, only the portion having atemperature rise above predetermined temperature is subjected toreproduction. Therefore, the reproduction of a smaller recording bit isenabled compared with the conventional model, thereby permitting animprovement in the recording density.

Furthermore, by adapting, for example, GdFeCo of rare-earth transitionmetal alloy for the readout layer, the readout layer in which atransition occurs quickly from in-plane magnetization to perpendicularmagnetization can be achieved. As a result, noise generated inreproducing can be reduced, thereby providing a magneto-opticalrecording medium which permits high density recording.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, a recording andreproducing method of the present invention for recording andreproducing information on and from a recording medium comprising a basehaving a property that a light can be transmitted therethrough, areadout layer formed on the base, which has in-plane magnetization atroom temperature, and a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization toperpendicular magnetization as temperature rises, and a recording layerformed on the readout layer, for recording thereon informationmagneto-optically, wherein the readout layer made of rare-earthtransition metal alloy is set so as to have its compensation temperatureoutside the range of room temperature—Curie temperature, and the contentof the rare-earth metal is greater than the maximum amount atcompensating composition, is characterized in that the magnetizationdirection of the recording layer is reversed by projecting a laser beamwhose intensity is changed between a relatively high power of the firstpower and a relatively low power of the second power while a constantmagnetic field for magnetizing the readout layer is being applied, so asto record information, and in that the magnetization in an area smallerthan the laser spot diameter of the readout layer is changed toperpendicular magnetization by projecting a laser beam having a lowerpower lower than the first laser beam, and the sub-lattice magnetizationin the area having a perpendicular magnetization of the readout layer isarranged in a stable direction with respect to the sub-latticemagnetization of the recording layer, thereby reproducing informationfrom the area having perpendicular magnetization of the readout layer.

In the above arrangement, a high density recording and reproducing ispermitted on and from the magneto-optical disk having the aboveconfiguration.

In order to achieve the above object, the optical head of the presentinvention comprises a semiconductor laser, a collimator lens forconverging a laser beam generated from the semiconductor laser into aparallel beam, and an objective lens for converging a light beam ontothe readout layer, wherein the aperture of the objective lens is setsmaller than the diameter of the light beam.

In the above arrangement, the light beam spot diameter by the main robecan be set smaller, the information recorded at high density can bereproduced. Moreover, when the magneto-optical recording medium isadapted, the effect from the crosstalk due to the side robe can beavoided.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of theinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 through FIG. 38 and FIGS. 47 through FIG. 53 show the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 which shows a schematic configuration of a magneto-optical diskis an explanatory view showing a reproducing operation.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view which shows a magnetic phase of a readoutlayer of the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an externalmagnetic field to be applied onto the readout layer and a polar Kerrrotation angle in a range of room temperature—T₁ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an externalmagnetic field to be applied onto the readout layer and a polar Kerrrotation angle in a range of T₁-T₂ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an externalmagnetic field to be applied onto the readout layer and a polar Kerrrotation angle in a range of T₂-T₃ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an externalmagnetic field to be applied onto the readout layer and a polar Kerrrotation angle in a range of T₃—Curie temperature T_(C) of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a graph which shows results of measurements of externalmagnetic field dependency at room temperature of the polar Kerr rotationangle of the readout layer of the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a graph which shows results of measurements of externalmagnetic field dependency at 120° C. of the polar Kerr rotation angle ofthe readout layer of the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an amplitude of a reproducing signal from themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 with respect a reproducing laser power.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a reproducing signal quality (C/N) of themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 with respect to a recording bit length.

FIG. 11 is a graph which shows the relationship between the crosstalk ofthe magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 and the intensity of a reproducinglight beam.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view which shows effects of themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a graph which shows composition dependencies of Curietemperature (T_(C)) and compensation temperature (T_(comp)) ofGd_(X)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(1−X).

FIG. 14 is a graph which shows composition dependencies of Curietemperature (T_(C)) and compensation temperature (T_(comp)) ofGd_(X)Fe_(1−X).

FIG. 15 is a graph which shows composition dependencies of Curietemperature (T_(C)) and compensation temperature (T_(comp)) ofGd_(X)Co_(1−X).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of the respectiveshapes of a land and a groove formed on a substrate of themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing another example of the respectiveshapes of a land and a groove formed on a substrate of themagneto-optical disk of FIG.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing an example of an arrangement ofwobble pit formed on the substrate of the magneto-optical disk of FIG.1.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing another example of an arrangementof wobble pit formed on the substrate of the magneto-optical disk ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an example of the wobble grooveformed on the substrate of the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a recording and reproducingmethod using a plurality of light beams on and from the magneto-opticaldisk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an overwrite recording method bythe magnetic field modulation on the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view which shows a recording method by thelight intensity modulation on the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1, andshows a method for magnetization the readout layer and the recordinglayer.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view which shows an overwrite recording methodby the light intensity modulation on the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1,and shows a temperature dependency of respective coercive forces of thereadout layer and the recording layer.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing an example of the light beamintensity to be projected onto the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 whenoverwriting by the light intensity modulation and reproducing.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing another example of the light beamintensity to be projected onto the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 whenoverwriting by the light intensity modulation and when reproducing.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing still another example of thelight beam intensity to be projected onto the magneto-optical disk ofFIG. 1 when overwriting by the light intensity modulation and whenreproducing.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing the magneto-optical disk of asingle-sided type of FIG. 1.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing the magneto-optical disk ofdouble-sided type of FIG. 1.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of asample used in measuring Kerr rotation angle enhancing effect when anelement is added onto the readout layer of the magneto-optical disk ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 31 is a graph showing a wavelength dependency of Kerr rotationangle of the sample of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of asample used in measuring an improvement in the humidity resistance whenan element is added to the readout layer of the magneto-optical disk ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 33 is a graph which shows a change as time passes of C/N of thesample of FIG. 32.

FIGS. 34(a)-(d) are graphs respectively showing Kerr hysteresis loopsmeasured at different film thickness of the readout layer of themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1:

FIG. 34(a) is a graph which shows Kerr hysteresis loop of themagneto-optical disk having a readout layer with a thickness of 20 nm;

FIG. 34(b) is a graph which shows Kerr hysteresis loop of themagneto-optical disk having a readout layer with a thickness of 30 nm;

FIG. 34(c) is a graph which shows Kerr hysteresis loop of themagneto-optical disk having a readout layer with a thickness of 40 nm;and

FIG. 34(d) is a graph which shows Kerr hysteresis loop of themagneto-optical disk having a readout layer with a thickness of 50 nm.

FIG. 35 is a graph which shows a squareness ratio of the readout layerof the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 with respect to a film thicknessat every compensation temperature.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing a method for calculating thesquareness ratio from FIGS. 34(a)-34(b).

FIG. 37 is a graph which shows a squareness ratio of the readout layerof the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1 with respect to the film thicknessat every Curie temperature.

FIGS. 38(a) and FIG. 38(b) are graphs respectively showing Kerr loops ofthe magneto-optical disk of FIG. 1:

FIG. 38(a) is a graph which shows a Kerr loop of the magneto-opticaldisk having a recording layer made of TbFeCo; and

FIG. 38(b) is a graph which shows a Kerr loop of the magneto-opticaldisk having a recording layer made of DyFeCo.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory view which shows a cross-sectional view of themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory view which shows a cross-sectional view of themagneto-optical disk used as a comparative example.

FIGS. 49(a) and FIG. 49(b) are explanatory views showing expandedrecording bits:

FIG. 49(a) is an explanatory view showing an expanded recording bit ofthe magneto-optical disk of FIG. 47; and

FIG. 49(b) is an explanatory view showing an expanded recording bit usedin the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an optical headfor recording and reproducing information on and from themagneto-optical disk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between the mainrobe and the side robe of the light beam.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory view which shows the relationship between themain robe and the side robe of the light beam and which shows respectivelight beam intensities of the robes.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory view which shows a light beam intensitydistribution when a/w is changed.

FIG. 39 is a view showing a schematic configuration of themagneto-optical disk used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a view showing a schematic configuration of themagneto-optical disk used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a view showing a schematic configuration of themagneto-optical disk used in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view showing a temperature dependency ofrespective coercive of the readout layer and the recording layer of FIG.41.

FIG. 43 is a view showing a schematic configuration of themagneto-optical disk used in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a view showing a schematic configuration of themagneto-optical disk used in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 45 which shows a variation of the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 44is a view Showing a schematic configuration of the magneto-optical diskhaving a radiating layer.

FIG. 46 which shows a variation of the magneto-optical disk of FIG. 44is a view showing a schematic configuration of the magneto-optical diskhaving a reflective layer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description will discuss the first embodiment of thepresent invention in reference to FIGS. 1-38 and FIGS. 47-53.

As shown in FIG. 1, a magneto-optical disk (magneto-optical recordingmedium) of the present embodiment is composed of a substrate l(base)whereon a transparent dielectric film 2, a readout layer 3, a recordinglayer 4, a protective film 5 and an overcoat film 6 are laminated inthis order.

As shown in the magnetic phase diagram of FIG. 2, a composition rangewhere rare-earth transition metal alloy used in the readout layer 3 hasperpendicular magnetization (shown by A in the figure) is extremelynarrow. This is because the perpendicular magnetization appears only inthe vicinity of a compensating composition where the magnetic moment ofthe rare-earth metal and the magnetic moment of the transition metalbalance with one another. In FIG. 2, x-axis indicates the content ofrare-earth metal, and y-axis indicates temperature.

The respective magnetic moments of the rear-earth metal and thetransition metal have mutually different temperature dependencies.Specifically, the magnetic moment of the transition metal is greaterthan that of the rare-earth metal at high temperature. Thus, thecomposition of alloy is set such that the content of the rare-earthmetal is greater than that in the compensating composition at roomtemperature so that the alloy does not have perpendicular magnetizationat room temperature but has in-plane magnetization. When a light beam isprojected, as the temperature of the portion irradiated with the lightbeam is raised, the magnetic moment of the transition metal becomesgreater until it balances with that of the rare-earth metal, therebyhaving perpendicular magnetization.

FIGS. 3 through FIG. 6 show one example of the hysteresis characteristicof the readout layer 3. In the figures, x-axis indicates an externalmagnetic field (Hex) to be applied perpendicularly onto the surface ofthe readout layer 3, and y-axis indicates polar Kerr rotation angle (θk)when a light beam is incident perpendicularly on the surface of thereadout layer 3.

FIG. 3 shows hysteresis characteristic of the readout layer 3 in atemperature range of room temperature—T₁, the readout layer 3 having thecomposition shown by P in the magnetic phase diagram of FIG. 2. FIGS. 4through 6 respectively show hysteresis characteristics in temperatureranges of T₁-T₂; T₂-T₃; and T₃—Curie temperature T_(C).

In the temperature range of T₁-T₃, the readout layer 3 shows such ahysteresis characteristic that an abruptly rising of Kerr rotation angleappears with respect to the external magnetic field. In othertemperature ranges, however, the polar Kerr rotation angle issubstantially zero.

With the use of the rare-earth transition metal having the aboveproperties in the readout layer 3, a high density recording on themagneto-optical disk can be achieved. Namely, the reproduction of arecording bit with a size smaller than the size of a light beam isenabled as explained below.

In reproducing, the reproduction-use light beam 7 is projected onto thereadout layer 3 through the converging lens 8 from the side of thesubstrate 1 (see FIG. 1). In the area irradiated with the light beam 7,the central portion has the greatest temperature rise, and thus thetemperature of the central portion becomes higher than the temperatureof the peripheral portion. More specifically, since the reproduction-uselight beam 7 is converged to a diffraction limit by the converging lens8, the light intensity distribution shows a Gaussian distribution, andthus the temperature distribution of the portion subjected toreproduction of the magneto-optical disk also shows a virtual Gaussiandistribution.

In the case where the reproduction-use light beam 7 is set such that thetemperature of the central portion of the irradiated area is raisedabove T₁ and the temperature of the peripheral portion is not raisedabove T₁, only the portion having a temperature rise above T₁ issubjected to reproduction. Thus, the reproduction of a recording bitwith a size smaller than the diameter of the reproduction-use light beam7 is permitted, thereby achieving a significant improvement in therecording density.

A transition occurs in the portion having a temperature above T₁ fromin-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization. The hysteresischaracteristic of the polar Kerr rotation angle changes from thehysteresis characteristic shown in FIG. 3 to the hysteresischaracteristic shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Here, by the exchange couplingforce exerted between the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4, themagnetization of the recording layer 4 is copied to the readout layer 3.On the other hand, since the temperature of the peripheral portion,i.e., outside the area corresponding to the vicinity of the center ofthe reproduction-use light beam 7 is not raised above T₁, the in-planemagnetization is maintained in the peripheral portion (see FIG. 3). As aresult, the polar Kerr effect is not shown with respect to thereproduction-use light beam 7 projected perpendicularly onto the filmsurface.

As described, when a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization toperpendicular magnetization in the area having a temperature rise, thepolar Kerr effect is shown only in the area corresponding to thevicinity of the central portion of the reproduction-use light beam 7,and information recorded on the recording layer 4 is reproduced based onthe reflected light from the irradiated area.

When the reproduction-use light beam 7 is shifted (in practice, themagneto-optical disk is rotated) so as to reproduce the next recordingbit, the temperature of the previous bit drops below T₁ and thetransition occurs from perpendicular magnetization to in-planemagnetization. Accordingly, the polar Kerr effect is no longer shown inthe spot having the temperature drop. Therefore, information is nolonger reproduced from the spot having the temperature drop and thusinterference by signals from the adjoining bits, which causes noise, iseliminated.

As described, the magneto-optical disk of the present invention permitsa reproduction of a recording bit with a size smaller than the diameterof the reproduction-use light beam 7 without being affected by theadjoining recording bits, thereby achieving a significant improvement inthe recording density.

Next, an optical head designed for a magneto-optical recording andreproducing device for recording and reproducing information on and fromthe magneto-optical disk having the above arrangement will be explainedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 50, an optical head 50 is composed of a semiconductorlaser 51 (light source), a collimating lens 52, a shaping prism 53, beamsplitters 54 and 56, an objective lens (converging lens) 8, lens 57 and61, a cylindrical lens 58, photodetectors 59, 63 and 64, a plate with ½wavelength 60 and a polarizing beam splitter 62.

A light beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 51 is converged by thecollimating lens 52 into a parallel light beam with a diameter w largerthan the diameter a of the aperture of the objective lens 8. The lightbeam transmitted through the collimating lens 52 is formed into acircular shape by the shaping prism 53. Thereafter, it is converged ontoa predetermined position of a magneto-optical disk 70 through the beamsplitter 54 and the objective lens 8. A light reflected from themagneto-optical disk 70 is reflected from the beam splitter 54 afterbeing transmitted through the objective lens 8, and is finally incidenton the beam splitter 56 where the reflected light is divided into two.One of the reflected light is directed to the photodetector 59 throughthe lens 57 and the cylindrical lens 58. In the photodetector 59, asignal is detected for carrying out focus servo and radial servo. On theother hand, the other reflected light is incident on the polarizing beamsplitter 62 through the plate with ½ wavelength 60 and the lens 61.Then, after being further divided into two, they are respectivelydirected to the photodetectors 63 and 64, thereby detecting amagneto-optical signal, i.e., information recorded on themagneto-optical disk 70. It should be noted here that the configurationof the optical head is not limited to the above configuration of theoptical head 50. Other configurations are available as long as theradius of the main robe can be made smaller by making a/w smaller aswill be described later.

Next, the relationship between the diameter w of the light beam and thediameter a of the aperture of the objective lens 8 will be explainedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, when a light beam is converged, a lightspot composed of a circular main robe having a light beam intensity ofGaussian distribution and a side robe of a concentric circle appearedsurrounding the main robe is formed. Here, the larger the diameter w ofthe light beam relative to the diameter a of the aperture, i.e., thesmaller the a/w, the radius of the main robe can be made smaller; on thecontrary, the side robe becomes greater and thus the light beamintensity becomes greater. For example, as shown in FIG. 53, whena/w=1.1, the side robe hardly appears. On the other hand, when a/w=0.5,the side robe clearly appears. Here, the radius of the main robe whena/w=0.5 (the distance from the center of the light spot to the positionat which the light beam intensity becomes 1/e²) is substantially 87 % ofthe radius of the main robe when a/w=1.1.

The recording density of the magneto-optical disk 70 is determined bythe size of the spot of the light beam used in recording andreproducing. As described, when the radius of the main robe is madesmaller, the radius of the side robe becomes larger. However, in theabove magneto-optical disk, even when an optical head with a/w below 1is used, the recording bit will not be reproduced from the side robe forthe following reason: Even if the temperature of the irradiated area inthe side robe of the readout layer 3 is slightly raised, the in-planemagnetization is maintained in the irradiated area of the readout layer3, and thus the magnetic Kerr effect is not shown in the irradiated areain the side robe, thereby eliminating the problem that the signal fromthe recording bit on the irradiated area of the side robe interferes thesignal from the recording bit reproduced from the main robe. Therefore,even if a/w is made smaller, i.e., the diameter w of the light beam ismade larger than the diameter a of the aperture of the objective lens 8and the radius of the main robe is made smaller, desirable recording andreproducing operations can be ensured, thereby achieving a high densityrecording on the magneto-optical disk.

An example of the magneto-optical disk of the present embodiment isshown below.

The substrate 1 is made of a disk-shaped glass with a diameter of 86 mm,an inner diameter of 15 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm. Although it is notshown, a guide truck for guiding a light beam is formed in aconcave-convex shape with a pitch of 1.6 μm, a groove width of 0.8 μmand a land width of 0.8 μm. Namely, the substrate 1 is formed so thatthe width of the groove width the land width is 1:1.

On the surface of the substrate 1 whereon the guide truck is formed, AlNwith a thickness of 80 nm is formed as a transparent dielectric film 2.

For the readout layer 3, a rare-earth transition metal alloy thin filmmade of GdFeCo with a thickness of 50 nm is formed on the transparentdielectric film 2. The composition of GdFeCo isGd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)C_(0.18))_(0.74), and the Curie temperature thereofis at around 300° C.

For the recording layer 4, rare-earth transition metal alloy thin filmmade of GdFeCo with a thickness of 50 nm is formed on the readout layer3. The composition of GdFeCo is Gd_(0.23)(Fe_(0.78)Co_(0.22))_(0.77),and Curie temperature thereof is at around 200° C.

With the combination of the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4,the magnetization direction of the readout layer 3 has in-planemagnetization at room temperature (i.e., in the direction of the readoutlayer 3), and a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization toperpendicular magnetization in a temperature range of 100° C.-125° C.

For the protective film 5, AlN with a thickness of 20 nm is formed onthe recording layer 4.

For the overcoat film 6, ultraviolet hardening resin from polyurethaneacrylate series with a thickness of 5 μm is formed on the protectivefilm 5.

The manufacturing process of the magneto-optlical disk will be explainedbelow.

The guide truck on the surface of the glass substrate 1 is formed byreactive ion etching method.

The transparent dielectric film 2, the readout layer 3, the recordinglayer 4 and the protective film 5 are respectively formed by thesputtering method under vacuum in a common sputtering device. AlN foruse in the transparent dielectric film 2 and the protective film 5 wasformed in N₂ gas atmosphere by the reactive sputtering method in whichthe sputtering of Al target was carried out. The readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 were formed by sputtering a composite target whereonGd tip or Dy tip was arranged on a FeCo alloy target, or ternary alloytarget of GdFeCo and DyFeCo using Ar gas.

The overcoat film 6 was formed by applying an ultraviolet hardeningresin from polyurethane acrylate series by a spin coating machine, andthereafter, applying ultraviolet ray by an ultraviolet ray applicationunit so as to harden it.

Next, the results of performance tests conducted using the abovemagneto-optical disk will be explained.

With the combination of the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4,the readout layer 3 has in-plane magnetization at room temperature, anda transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicularmagnetization in a temperature range of 100-125° C.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show respective hysteresis characteristics of polarKerr rotation angles actually measured at different temperatures. FIG. 7shows hysteresis characteristic at room temperature (25° C.), and thepolar Kerr rotation angle when the external magnetic field (Hex) was notapplied was substantially zero. This is because the magnetizationperpendicular to the film surface is hardly shown, the magnetization isarranged in a in-plane direction. FIG. 8 shows hysteresis characteristicat 120° C. As can be seen from the graph, the polar Kerr rotation angleof 0.5 deg is shown, and thus it can be seen that a transition occursfrom in-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization even when theexternal magnetization is zero.

The above performance tests were carried out to check the staticproperties. Next, the experimental results of measuring the dynamicproperties using the optical pickup will be explained. The opticalpickup used in the experiment has a semiconductor with a laserwavelength of 780 nm and an objective lens with a numerical aperture(N.A) of 0.55 and s/w=1.1.

A recording bit of a uniform frequency with a length of 0.765 μm wasrecorded on the land at a 26.5 mm radial position of the magneto-opticaldisk rotating at 1800 rpm (linear velocity of 5 m/sec). In recording,first, the magnetization direction of the recording layer 4 was arrangedin one direction (erased state). Thereafter, the direction of therecording use external magnetic field was fixed in one directionopposite to the direction of the erased state. Then, a laser beam wasmodulated at a recording frequency (substantially 3.3 MHz) correspondingto a length of 0.765 μam. The recording laser power was set around 8 mW.

The recorded bit strings were reproduced by applying reproduction-uselaser beams with different reproducing laser power. The measuredamplitudes of the reproducing signal waveform is shown in FIG. 9. In thefigure, x-axis indicates the reproducing laser power, and the measuredreproducing laser power was in a range of 0.5-3 mW. Y-axis indicates theamplitude of the reproducing signal, and the measured amplitudes werenormalized at the reproducing laser power of 0.5 mW.

In the figure, the curved line A shows the results of measurement usingthe magneto-optical disk of the present invention, and the curved line Bshows the results of measurement using the conventional magneto-opticaldisk as a comparative example.

The conventional magneto-optical disk is composed of the glass substrate1, which is the same as the above-mentioned substrate 1, whereon AlNwith a thickness of 80 nm, DyFeCo with a thickness of 20 nm, AlN with athickness of 25 nm and AlNi with a thickness of 30 nm are laminated inthis order. Further, the overcoat film which is the same as theabove-mentioned overcoat film is formed on AlNi.

In this arrangement of the conventional magneto-optical disk, only asingle magnetic layer made of DyFeCo which is rare-earth transitionmetal alloy is provided so as to be sandwiched between two transparentdielectric films made of AlN. Then, a reflective film made of AlNi isformed on the top. This configuration is called “reflective filmstructure”, and has been already on the market as represented by 3.5inch size single plate magneto-optical disk. As well known, therecording layer made of DyFeCo of the conventional magneto-optical diskhas perpendicular magnetization at above from room temperature.

In FIG. 9, the dotted line connects 0 point (origin) and the amplitudevalue normalized at a laser power of 0.5 mW, which shows relationshipbetween the amplitude of the reproducing signal of the magneto-opticalsignal and the reproducing laser power.

reproducing signal amplitude∞recording medium

reflective light amount×polar Kerr rotation angle

In the above formula, the recording medium reflective light amountincreases in proportion to the reproducing laser power and thus it canbe replaced with the reproducing laser power.

The curve B which shows the measured values using the conventionalmagneto-optical disk is located at lower position than the above linearline for the following reasons: as the reproducing laser powerincreases, reflective light amount from the recording medium increases;on the other hand, the temperature of the recording medium is raised.The magnetization of the magnetic substance in general has such acharacteristic that it reduces as the temperature rises, and themagnetization disappears at Curie temperature. Therefore, in theconventional magneto-optical disk, since the polar Kerr rotation anglebecomes smaller as the temperature rises, the curve is not on the linearline but below the linear line in the graph.

On the other hand, the curve A which shows the results of measurementsof the magneto-optical disk of the present invention shows an abruptincrease in the signal amplitude as the reproducing laser powerincreases, and it is maximized at around 2-2.25 mW. Other than at alaser power of 3 mW, the curve B is located above the linear line. Ascan be seen, the amplitude increases in a higher proportion than thereproducing laser power. The result shows that at low temperature, thepolar Kerr rotation angle hardly appears, and as temperature raises, atransition suddenly occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicularmagnetization, which is reflected by the property of the readout layer 3and gives substance of the performance of the readout layer 3.

The described measurements were carried out from the land. However, whenthe same measurements were carried out from the groove, the same resultswere obtained.

Next, the results of measurement of the reproducing signal quality withrespect to the smaller recording bit will be explained. As thereproduction of a recording bit with a size smaller than the recordingbit, the recording density can be improved.

FIG. 10 shows the results of measurements of the reproducing signalquality (C/N) with respect to the recording bit length. In thismeasurement, the linear velocity of the magneto-optical disk was set at5 m/sec as in the previous experiment. Under the above condition, arecording was carried out at different frequencies, and respectivevalues for the C/N were measured. In this experiment, the same opticalpickup and the recording method as the previous experiment were used.

In the figure, the curve A shows the results of measurements using themagneto-optical disk of the present invention, and a reproducing laserpower was set at 2.25 mW. The curve B shows the results of measurementsusing the conventional magneto-optical disk with a reproducing laserpower of 1 mW as in the case of the previous experiment.

As to the long recording bit with a length of not less than 0.6 μm, thedifferences in C/N between the two disks were not significant. However,as to the recording bit with a length not more than 0.6 μm, a suddendecrease in C/N was observed from the conventional magneto-optical disk.This is because as the recording bit becomes shorter, the number ofrecording bits (area) increases within the irradiated area of the lightbeam, and finally, the recording bits cannot be identified one fromanother.

A cut-off space frequency is one of the index representative of theoptical resolving power of the optical pickup. The cut-off spacefrequency is determined by the wavelength of the laser (light source)and the N.A. of the objective lens. Using the optical pickup of thepresent embodiment, with the wavelength of the laser (780 nm) and theN.A. of the objective lens (0.55), the cut-off frequency was calculated,and was converted into the recording bet length by the followingequation:

780 nm/(2*0.55)/2=0.355 μm

Namely, the limit of the optical resolving power of the optical pickupused in this experiment is the recording bit length of 0.355 μm.Reflecting the above property, the obtained C/N from the conventionalmagneto-optical disk was substantially zero in the case of a recordingbit with a length of 0.35 μm.

On the other hand, in the magneto-optical disk of the present invention,as the recording bit becomes shorter, C/N decreases. However, even withoptical resolving power below 0.355 μm, C/N of nearly 30 dB wasobtained.

The above measurements were carried out with respect to both the landand the groove, and the same results were obtained for both C/N valueand tendencies.

From the above experimental results, it is proved that with the use ofthe magneto-optical disk of the present invention, the reproduction of arecording bit with a size smaller than the optical analyzing limit isenabled, thereby achieving a significant improvement in a recording bitdensity compared with the conventional magneto-optical disk.

Further, the signal quality C/N was measured using the optical head witha/w=0.8 in the same manner as the above experiment. When themagneto-optical disk of the present embodiment was used, the radius ofthe main robe becomes smaller than the radius of the main robe using theoptical head with a/w=1.1. As a result, even with the use of a recordingbit with a length of 0.355 μm, a signal quality C/N is improved by morethan 5 bB. Additionally, even with the use of a/w=0.5, the sameexperimental results were obtained.

In addition to the above effects of the present invention confirmed bythe above experiments, the following description will discuss crosstalkas another important index.

In magneto-optical disks, generally, in the case where recording andreproducing are carried out on and from the lands, the guide truck isformed such that the land width is made as wide as possible, and thegroove is made narrower so as to record and reproduce only on and fromthe land. In this type of the magneto-optical disk, crosstalk meansinterference from the recording bits recorded on the adjoining landswhen reproducing from the lands. On the other hand, in themagneto-optical disks wherein recording and reproducing operations werecarried out from the grooves, crosstalk means interference from therecording bits recorded on the adjoining grooves formed on themagneto-optical disk.

For example, according to the IS10089 standard (set with regard to ISO5.25 rewritable optical disk), in the guide track with a pitch of 1.6μm, the crosstalk with respect to the shortest recording bit (0.765 μm)must not exceed −26 dB.

In the present embodiment, by the crosstalk measuring method set in thenormalization of IS10089, the crosstalk was measured with respect to arecording bit with a length of 0.765 μm. In order to confirm the effectof the magneto-optical disk of the present invention composed of thedescribed glass substrate 1 with a track pitch of 1.6 μm, a land widthof 0.8 μm and a groove width of 0.8 μm, the crosstalk from adjoininggrooves when reproducing from a land and the crosstalk from adjoininglands when reproducing from the groove were measured.

FIG. 11 shows the results of measurements when reproducing from theland. In the figure, x-axis indicates the reproducing laser power, andy-axis indicates crosstalk. In the figure, the curve A shows the resultsof measurements using the magneto-optical disk of the present invention,and the curve B shows the result of measurements using the conventionalmagneto-optical disk.

The conventional magneto-optical disk (B) shows a large crosstalk of −15dB. On the other hand, the magneto-optical disk (A) of the presentinvention shows the crosstalk of −30 dB which is below −26 dB whichsatisfies the ISO standard.

The technical reasons why such results were obtained will explained inreference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view from above the magneto-optical disk. Onthe magneto-optical disk, recording bits are recorded on the land (atthe center) and the adjoining grooves (as shown by dotted circles). Thelarge solid circle in the figure indicates a light spot formed as thereproduction-use light beam 7 is converged on the disk. Here, the servowas set so that the light spot follows the land. In the figure, both theland width and the groove width are set at 0.8 μm, and the diameter ofthe light spot (light beam diameter) is set at 1.73 μm (=Airy diskdiameter=0.22*780 nm/0.55). For convenience, the recording bit diameteris shown by the size of 0.335 μm.

In the figure, seven recording bits are included in the reproduction-uselight beam 7. In the conventional magneto-optical disk, each recordingbit has perpendicular magnetization (for example, the magnetizationdirection of the recording bit is upward in a perpendicular direction,and the magnetization direction in other areas (erased areas) isdownward in a perpendicular direction) and respectively show the polarKerr effect, the signals in the light beam cannot be separated from oneanother. For this reason, in the case of the conventionalmagneto-optical disk, the C/N was small (0.35 μm), and the crosstalkfrom the adjoining tracks was large in the above-mentioned experiment.

On the other hand, in the magneto-optical disk of the present invention,the readout layer 3 has perpendicular magnetization in the vicinity ofthe center of the reproduction-use light beam 7, as the temperaturethereof being higher than the peripheral portion, and in other areas,in-plane magnetization remains. Therefore, among seven recorded bits inthe light spot of the reproduction-use light beam 7, only the recordedbit at the center is subjected to reproduction. Thus, C/N ofsubstantially 30 dB can be obtained even when reproducing a smallrecording bit with a size of 0.335 μm. Moreover, the crosstalk from theadjoining tracks can be made significantly smaller.

As described, the experiments were conducted using the magneto-opticaldisk composed of the substrate 1 with a pitch of 1.6 μm having formedthereon lands and grooves in a ratio of 1:1, whereon the readout layer 3and the recording layer 4 were laminated. From the experimental results,it is proved that the constant C/N could be obtained bath from the landsand from the grooves, and recording and reproducing operations can beperformed on and from both lands and grooves. Furthermore, even wheninformation was recorded on the lands and the grooves of the recordinglayer 4, the obtained crosstalk was significantly small.

In the above arrangement, higher recording density in the lengthwisedirection of the track and higher track density can be achieved.Moreover, since recording and reproducing operations can be carried outon and from both the lands and the grooves, a significant increase inthe recording density can be achieved compared with the conventionalmagneto-optical recording density.

Moreover, using the optical head with a/w=0.8, experiments wereconducted with respect to both the magneto-optical disk of the presentinvention and the magneto-optical disk of the comparative example as inthe aforementioned manner. When the magneto-optical disk of the presentinvention was used, the obtained crosstalk was −30 dB, and thus almostno crosstalk was generated. On the other hand, when the conventionalmagneto-optical disk was used, the obtained crosstalk was in the rangeof −10 dB-−12 dB. When using the optical head with a smaller a/w, theadjoining recording bits were reproduced from the side robe, and theinterference of the unnecessary signals was still increased. Inaddition, when the optical head with a/w=0.5 was used, the same resultswere obtained. Thus, especially when a/w<1 where the side robe appearssignificantly, the differences in the effects between themagneto-optical disk of the present invention and the conventionalmagneto-optical disk were significant.

From the above experimental results, with the use of the optical headwherein a/w is made smaller, i.e., the radius of the main robe is madesmaller, a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization toperpendicular magnetization only in the vicinity of the central portionof the main robe of the readout layer 3, which has high temperature asbeing irradiated. As a result, information recorded on the recordinglayer 4 is reproduced, and the interference of an unnecessary signalfrom the side robe can be eliminated, thereby achieving a high densityrecording.

Next, using a magneto-optical disk with a groove depth of 70 nm and amagneto-optical disk with a groove depth of 200 nm, crosstalk from theadjoining grooves when reproducing from the land was respectivelymeasured by the above method of measuring crosstalk.

From the experimental results, the crosstalk from the magneto-opticaldisk with a groove depth of 200 nm was less than that from themagneto-optical disk wits a groove depth of 70 nm by more than 3 dB.

The reason why the crosstalk could be reduced by making the groove depthdeeper from 70 nm to 200 nm will be explained in reference to FIG. 47through FIG. 49.

As shown in FIG. 47, in the magneto-optical disk with a groove depth of200 nm, the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 on the groovevertically part from the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 onthe land between the grooves. For this reason, heat is not likely to betransferred by conduction between the readout layer 3 and the recordinglayer 4 on the groove and the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4on the land. Namely, heat transfer by conduction to the adjoining tracksis not likely to occur.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49(a), the recording bit which is expandedalong the land does not reach the adjoining grooves.

On the other hand, in the magneto-optical disk with a groove width of 70nm, the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 on the groove do notvertically part from the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 onthe land between the grooves as shown in FIG. 48. Thus, heat is likelyto be transferred by conduction between the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 on the groove and the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 on the land. Namely, heat transfer by conduction tothe adjoining tracks is likely to occur. Therefore, as shown in FIG.49(b), the recording bit which is expanded along the land reaches theadjoining grooves.

For the reason explained above, the magneto-optical disk with a groovedepth of 200 nm shows smaller crosstalk than the magneto-optical diskwith a groove depth of 70 nm.

The intensity of a tracking error signal is maximized when the groovedepth satisfy the following equation:

d=λ(2k−1)/(8n).

wherein d, λ and n respectively represent a groove depth, a wavelengthof a light beam and a refractive index of the transparent substrate, andk is a natural number (1, 2, 3, . . . ).

In the present embodiment, when k=2, d=190 nm where the intensity of thetracking error signal is maximized, thereby enabling a stable tracking.

When γ is in a range of 670-830 nm and n is in a range of 1.44-1.55, dsatisfies the inequality: 160 nm≦d≦215 nm. Here, the intensity of thetracking error signal is maximized, thereby enabling a stable tracking.

In conclusion, in order to achieve a stable tracking, the groove depthis set so as to satisfy the following conditions:

a) the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 on the groovevertically part from the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 onthe land between the grooves; and

b) the intensity of the tracking error signal is large.

In considering the above, the groove depth is preferably set so as tosatisfy the inequality: 130 nm≦d≦280 nm.

Additionally, respective film thicknesses of the transparent dielectricfilm 2, the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 also determine thedegree of parting. Thus, they should be considered in setting the groovedepth.

The composition of GdFeCo of the readout layer 3 is not limited toGd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74) as long as the readout layer 3 hasin-plane magnetization at room temperature and a transition occurstherein from in-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization atabove room temperature. As to the rare-earth transition metal alloy, byvarying the ratio of the rare-earth to the transition metal, thecompensation temperature at which the magnetic moment of the rare-earthand the magnetic moment of the transition metal balance with one anothercan be adjusted. Since GdFeCo is a material series which hasperpendicular magnetization in the vicinity of a compensationtemperature temperature at which a transition occurs from in-planemagnetization to perpendicular magnetization can be adjusted by changingthe compensation temperature by adjusting the ratio of Gd to FeCo.

FIG. 13 shows experimental results of compensation temperature and Curietemperature with a variable X in Gd_(X)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(1−X), i.e.,when the composition of Gd was varied.

As is clear from the figure, in the compensating composition range wherethe compensation temperature is above room temperature (25° C.), X isset equal to or above 0.18, and it is preferably set so as to satisfythe inequality: 0.19<X<0.29. This is because when X is set in thisrange, in the configuration where the readout layer 3 and the recordinglayer 4 are laminated, temperature at which a transition occurs fromin-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization can be set in arange of room temperature—200° C. If the above temperature becomes toohigh, there arises the possibility that the reproduction-use laser powerbecomes as high as the recording-use laser power, and thus theinformation recorded on the recording layer 4 may be disturbed.

The following will explain a change in the properties (compensationtemperature and Curie temperature) in the case where the ratio of Fe toCo is varied in the GdFeCo series, i.e., Y is varied inGd_(X)(Fe_(1−Y)Co_(Y))_(1−X).

FIG. 14 shows the property of Gd_(X)(Fe_(1−Y)Co_(Y))_(1−X) when Y=0,i.e., the property of Gd_(X)Fe_(1−X). For example, when X=0.3 in thecomposition of Gd, the compensation temperature is substantially ataround 120° C. and the Curie temperature is at around 200° C.

FIG. 15 shows the property of Gd_(X)(Fe_(1−Y)Co_(Y))_(1−X) when Y=1,i.e., the property of Gd_(X)Co_(1−X). For example, when X=0.3 in thecomposition of Gd, the compensation temperature is at around 220° C. andthe Curie temperature is at around 400° C.

As can be seen, with the same composition of Gd, as the content of Coincreases, the compensation temperature and Curie temperature go up.

The polar Kerr rotation angle in reproducing should be set as high aspossible in order to obtain the higher C/N. Thus, the Curie temperatureof the readout layer 3 is preferably set as high as possible. However,it should be noted here that if too much Co is contained, temperature atwhich transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicularmagnetization also becomes higher.

In considering the above, Y in Gd_(X)(Fe_(1−Y)Co_(Y))_(1−X) ispreferably set so as to satisfy the following inequality:

0.1<X<0.5.

Needless to say, the properties of the readout layer 3, such astemperature at which a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization toperpendicular magnetization are affected by the composition of thematerial used in the recording layer 4 and the film thickness of therecording layer 4. This is because exchange coupling force is exertedmagnetically between the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4.

Therefore, appropriate composition of the material used in the readoutlayer and the film thickness of the readout layer 3 differ depending onthe material used in the recording layer 4 and the composition of thematerial and the film thickness of the recording layer 4.

As a material for the readout layer 3 of the magneto-optical disk of thepresent invention, GdFeCo wherein abrupt transition occurs from in-planemagnetization to perpendicular magnetization. However, even when otherrare-earth transition metal alloys (to be described later) were used,the same effect could be obtained.

The Gd_(X)Fe_(1−X) has properties shown in FIG. 14, and when X satisfiesthe inequality: 0.24<X<0.35, it has a compensation temperature aboveroom temperature.

The Gd_(X)Co_(1−X) has properties shown in FIG. 15, and when X satisfiesthe inequality: 0.20<X<0.35, it has a compensation temperature aboveroom temperature.

When FeCo alloy is used as a transition metal,Tb_(X)(Fe_(Y)Co_(1−Y))_(1−X) has its compensation temperature above roomtemperature when X satisfies the inequality: 0.20<X<0.30 (Y is selectedat random). Dy_(X)(Fe_(Y)Co_(1−Y))_(1−X) has its compensationtemperature above room temperature when X satisfies the inequality:0.24<X<0.33 (Y is selected at random). Ho_(X)(Fe_(Y)Co_(1−Y))_(1−X) hasits compensation temperature above room temperature when X satisfies0.25<X<0.45 (Y is selected at random).

Alternatively, a material which has the following properties is suitableas well for the readout layer 3: when the wavelength of thesemiconductor laser as a light source of the optical pickup becomes lessthan 780 nm described, the polar Kerr rotation angle at the wavelengthis large.

As explained earlier, in the optical disk such as the magneto-opticaldisk, the recording density is limited by the size of the light beam,which is determined by the laser wavelength and the aperture of theobjective lens. Therefore, only by making the wavelength of thesemiconductor laser shorter, the recording density on themagneto-optical disk can be improved. At present, the semiconductorlaser with a wavelength of 670 nm-680 nm is in practical use, and SHGlaser with a wavelength equal to or below 400 nm has been earnestlystudied.

The Kerr rotation angle of the rare-earth transition metal alloy has awavelength dependency. Generally, as the wavelength becomes shorter, theKerr rotation angle becomes smaller. However, with the use of the filmwhich has large Kerr rotation angle with short wavelength, the intensityof the signal increases, thereby obtaining a high quality reproducingsignal.

In the above material for the readout layer 3, by slightly adding atleast one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Pt, Pr andPd, the greater Kerr rotation angle can be achieved with the propertiesrequired for the readout layer 3 substantially remains the same. As aresult, the magneto-optical disk which permits a high qualityreproducing signal even when the semiconductor laser with a shortwavelength can be achieved.

As a material for the readout layer in which at least one of the aboveelements is added, for example, the following materials may be used:

Nd_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95),

Pt_(0.05)[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95),

Pr_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95), and

Pd_(0.05)[Gd_(0.25)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95).

Next, the material for the readout layer 3 of the magneto-optical diskwas changed from Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74) toNd_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.8))_(0.74)]_(0.95), and the sameperformance tests were conducted in the same manner as the above, andthe same results were obtained.

Furthermore, by adding a small amount of at least one element selectedfrom the group consisting of Cr, V, Nb, Mn, Be and Ni, the resistance toenvironment of the readout layer 3 can be improved. Namely, the readoutlayer 3 can be prevented the deterioration of the property due to theoxidation of the material by the moisture and oxygen being entered,thereby ensuring a reliable performance of the magneto-optical disk fora long period of time.

As a material for the readout layer 3 in which one of the above elementis added, for example, the following materials may be used:

Cr_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.26)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95),

V_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.96),

Nb_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)CO_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95),

Mn_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95),

Be_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)CO_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95) and

Ni_(0.05)[Gd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)CO_(0.18))_(0.74)]_(0.95).

Next, the experiment was conducted to see the effect of increasing theKerr rotation angle when adding the above element to the material usedin the readout layer 3 as explained below.

FIG. 30 shows the configuration of the sample used in the experiment.

The sample is composed of a glass substrate 1 whereon AlN with athickness of 80 nm (transparent dielectric film 2),X_(0.1)[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.2))_(0.72)]_(0.9) with a thickness of 50nm (readout layer 3) and Dy_(0.23)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.77) with athickness of 50 nm (recording layer 4) are laminated in this order.Further, the surface was entirely coated with AlN with a thickness of 20nm (protective film 5). Here, X represents an element to be added whichis one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Pr, Pt and Pd.

FIG. 31 shows wavelength dependency of θK (Kerr rotation angle) measuredfrom the side of the glass substrate 1. As a comparative example, theexperimental results obtained using the sample which does not includethe above additive are also shown in FIG. 31.

In the sample which does not include the above additive, θ_(k) is largein a range of long wavelength, and it is small in a range of shortwavelength. On the other hand, θ_(k) in a range of short wavelength waslarge in the sample including the above additive.

Generally, when reproducing from the magneto-optical disk using thelaser with a short wavelength, a laser light can be converged to agreater extent compared with the case where the reproducing operation iscarried out from the magneto-optical disk using the laser with a longwavelength. Thus, a reproduction of a recording bit recorded at highdensity is enabled. Furthermore, by selecting a material having a largeθ_(k) in a range of a short wavelength for the readout layer 3, theintensity of the reproducing signal can be increased, thereby obtaininga high quality reproducing signal.

From the above experimental results, when recording and reproducingusing the laser with a short wavelength, addition of the above additiveworks effectively. It is apparent that an increase in the amount ofadditive increases θ_(k) in a range of a short wavelength.

In the composition of X_(0.1)[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.2))_(0.72)]_(0.9),the size of θ_(K) with a wavelength equal to or below 600 nm has thefollowing relationship:

θ_(K) (having Pt added)≅Θ_(K) (having Nd added)>θ_(K) (having Pdadded)≅θ_(K) (having Pr added)

(see FIG. 31). Therefore, by adding a small amount of Pt or Nd, θ_(K)can be made larger. Additionally, the addition of Pt improves themoisture resistance of the readout layer 3. Namely, the addition of Ptnot only increase θ_(K) in a range of a short wavelength but alsoimproves the moisture resistance of the readout layer 3.

FIG. 1 shows the amount of additive by which a material having thecomposition of Xa[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.2))_(0.72)]_(1−a) changes fromnon-crystal to crystal.

TABLE 1 X Nd Pr Pd Pt a 0.61 0.61 0.26 0.25

From the above Table 1, it can be seen that Nd can be added in a greateramount than Pt. Specifically, when a large amount of Pt is added, thematerial changes from non-crystal to crystal, thereby presenting theproblem of increasing noise due to a grain boundary. On the other hand,even when a large amount of Nd is added, the material remainsnon-crystal, and the composition remains uniform. Thus, Nd can be addedin a large amount.

Addition of Pd improves the moisture resistance of the readout layer 3.Moreover, Pd has an advantage of low cost because of its large reserve.Even if a large amount of Pr is added, the material remains non-crystalas in the case of Nd. Thus, Pr can be added in a large amount. Moreover,by adding Pd, the moisture resistance of the readout layer 3 can beimproved more than when Nd is added.

The following description will discuss the experiment conducted to seethe improvement in the

FIG. 32 shows the configuration of the sample used in the experiment.

The sample magneto-optical disk is composed of a glass substrate 1 witha diameter of 3.5 inch having formed thereon a groove, whereon AlN witha thickness of 80 nm (transparent dielectric film 2),X_(0.1)[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.8)CO_(0.2))_(0.72)]_(0.9) with a thickness of 50nm (readout layer 3) and Dy_(0.23)(Fe_(0.82)CO_(0.18))_(0.77) with athickness of 50 nm (recording layer 4) are laminated in this order.Further, the surface is entirely coated with AlN with a thickness of 20nm (protective film 5) and with an overcoat film 6 with a thickness of 5μm. Here, X represents an element to be added which is one elementselected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Nd, Pr, Ni, Mn, Be, V, Nband Cr.

The sample of the magneto-optical disk was left in a constanttemperature bath under the temperature of 120° C. and 2 normalatmosphere (humidity 100%), and a change in C/N of the reproducingsignal as time passes was measured. A change in C/N as time passes whenrecording and reproducing a recording bit with a length of 0.76 μm(wavelength of 780 nm) is shown in FIG. 33. The C/N ratio was plotted bysetting the initial value at 0 dB. As a comparative example, theexperimental results using the sample magneto-optical disk which doesnot include the above additive are also shown in the figure.

As can be seen from the figure, when Cr, V, Nb, Mn, Be Ni, Pt or Pd isadded, the moisture was improved. Especially, the addition of Cr was themost effective in improving the moisture resistance.

Table 2 shows the Kerr rotation angle (°) of the sample magneto-opticaldisk measured using a light with a wavelength of 780 nm. For comparison,the Kerr rotation angle of the sample magneto-optical disk which doesnot include the above additive in the readout layer 3 is also shown inthe Table.

TABLE 2 comparative X Cr V Nb Mn Be Ni example θk 1.40 1.30 1.35 1.381.40 1.53 1.44

As is clear from the Table, with the addition of Ni, the moistureresistance is not improved much but the Kerr rotation angle cam be madegreater.

Table 3 shows an amount of additive a to be added to the material havingthe composition X_(a)[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.2))_(0.72)]_(1−a) in orderto change it from non-crystal to crystal.

TABLE 3 X Cr Nb Mn Be Ni V a 0.15 0.30 0.32 0.16 0.23 0.42

As is clear from the Table, even when a large amount of V is added, thematerial remains non-crystal. Thus, noise due to a grain boundary can besuppressed, and the moisture resistance thereof can be improved.

Table 4 shows crystallization temperature Tcryst of the material havingthe composition of X_(0.05)[Gd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.2))_(0.72)]_(0.95),at which the material changes from non-crystal to crystal.

TABLE 4 (unit: ° C.) comparative X Cr Mn Be Ni V Nb example Tcryst 400400 450 400 400 500 400

As is clear from the Table, the crystallization temperature can beraised by adding Nb. Therefore, the deterioration of the readout layer 3can be suppressed even when the recording and reproducing operations arerepetitively carried out. Moreover, the moisture resistance can beimproved by adding Nb. The additive Nb has an advantage of low costbecause of its large reserve.

Table 5 shows a noise level (unit: dB) of the sample magneto-opticaldisk. As a comparative example, the noise level of the samplemagneto-optical disk which does not include additive in the readoutlayer 3 is also shown in the Table. Here, the noise level of the sampleof the comparative example was set to 0 dB.

TABLE 5 comparative X Cr Mn Ni V Nb Be example Noise 0 1 −2 0 0 −2 0

As can be seen from the Table, the noise level can be reduced by addingBe or Ni. The additive Be improves the moisture resistance more than theadditive Ni.

Next, using the above sample magneto-optical disk, the deterioration ofthe signal quality by repetitively carrying out the recording andreproducing operations was measured.

Table 6 shows C/N (unit: dB) measured after repetitively carrying outthe recording and reproducing operations (a hundred times at roomtemperature) using the above magneto-optical disk. As a comparativeexample, the C/N of the sample magneto-optical disk which does notinclude an additive in the readout layer 3 is also shown in the Table 6.Here, the C/N of the sample of the comparative example was set to 0 dB.

TABLE 6 comparative X Cr V Nb Mn Be Ni Pt Pd Pr Nd example C/N −1 −2 −2−2.5 −2.5 −3 −3 −3 −6 −7 −4

In the present embodiment, the thickness of the readout layer 3 is setat 50 nm. However, the thickness of the readout layer 3 is not limitedto the above thickness. As shown in FIG. 1, the recording andreproducing of information are carried out from the side of the readoutlayer 3. If the readout layer 3 is too thin, the information recorded onthe recording layer 4 may reach the readout layer 3. Namely, the maskeffect by the in-plane magnetization of the readout layer 3 becomesweaker.

As explained earlier, since the magnetic property of the readout layer 3is affected by the recording layer 4, a suitable thickness for thereadout layer 3 changes depending on the material used in each layer andthe composition thereof. However, for the readout layer 3, the thicknessof at least 20 nm is required, and preferably, the thickness thereof isset above 50 nm. On the other hand, if the readout layer 3 becomes toothick, the information recorded on the recording layer 4 may not becopied the readout layer 3. Therefore, the film thickness of the readoutlayer 3 is preferably set below 100 nm.

Four magneto-optical disks were prepared respectively having readoutlayers 3 with thicknesses of 20 nm, 30 nm, 40 nm and 50 nm (see FIG. 1).The respective polar Kerr hysteresis loops measured from the side of thesubstrate 1 at room temperature are shown in FIG. 34(a) through FIG.34(d).

Since the composition of the recording layer 4 is set close to thecompensating composition at room temperature, the coercive force of therecording layer 4 is very large. However, by applying sufficiently largemagnetic field, the magnetization direction of the recording layer 4 isreversed. Thus, the readout layer 3 is affected by the magnetizationdirection of the recording layer 4 by the exchange coupling forceexerted therebetween, thereby showing the polar Kerr hysteresis loops asshown in the figures.

In either of the above magneto-optical disks, the exchange couplingforce was exerted. However, in the cases of using the thin readoutlayers 3 (FIGS. 34(a) and (b)), when no external magnetic field wasapplied, the magnetization direction of the readout layer 3 wascompletely arranged in the magnetization direction of the recordinglayer 4 which means that the information recorded on the recording layer4 was not masked by the readout layer 3. On the other hand, in the caseof using the thick readout layer 3, the mask effect of the readout layer3 gradually appeared (FIG. 34(c)), and in the case of using the readoutlayer 3 with a thickness of 50 nm (FIG. 34(d)), the information recordedon the recording layer 4 was completely masked by the readout layer 3.

In order to obtain the differences in the mask effect when thecompensation temperature and the thickness of the readout layer 3 arevaried, the magneto-optical disk having the configuration of FIG. 1 wasprepared. Here, the compensation temperature of the readout layer 3 isvaried by changing the composition of GdFeCo used in the readout layer3. The respective squareness ratios were calculated from the polar Kerrhysteresis loops measured from the side of the substrate 1 at roomtemperature. The experimental results are shown in FIG. 35 whereintemperature indicates compensation temperature.

As shown in FIG. 36, the respective squareness ratios were calculatedfrom the equation: squareness ratio=θ_(k) ^(r) (Kerr rotation anglewithout the external magnetic field)/θ_(k) ^(s) (Kerr rotation anglewith the external magnetic field of 15 kOe). Here, squareness ratio=1indicates that no mask effect is shown, on the other hand, thesquareness ratio=0 indicates that the information is completely masked.

As can be seen from the figure, the greater mask effect can be obtainedfrom the higher compensation temperature and the thicker readout layer3. When the readout layer 3 with a thickness of not more than 100 nm isused, no mask effect can be obtained at temperature below 100° C. Inorder to obtain the mask effect, the compensation temperature isrequired to be set at 125° C. or above, preferably, above 150° C.Similarly, in order to obtain the mask effect, the thickness of thereadout layer 3 is required to be set to 10 nm or above, preferably,above 20 nm.

Next, the composition of GdFeCo used in the readout layer 3 was changedso as to set the magnetic property thereof was set such that themagnetization of the sub-lattice of the rear-earth metal becameexcessive in a temperature range of room temperature to Curietemperature; namely, it is set such that GdFeCo had no compensationtemperature. Under the above conditions, in order to see the differencesin the mask effect when the film thickness was varied, the squarenessratio was calculated. The experimental results are shown in FIG. 37. Inthe figure, temperature indicates Curie temperature.

As can be seen from the figure, the greater mask effect can be obtainedfrom the higher Curie temperature and the thicker readout layer 3. Whenthe readout layer 3 with a thickness of 100 nm or below was used, nomask effect was obtained at a Curie temperature of 100° C. or below. Inorder to obtain the mask effect, the Curie temperature is required to beset to or above 130° C., preferably, above 200° C. Similarly, in orderto obtain the mask effect, the thickness of the readout layer 3 isrequired to be set to or above 10 nm, preferably, above 20 nm.

The above explanations were given through the case where the thicknessof the readout layer 3 is below 100 nm. However, the desirable maskeffect can be obtained even when the readout layer 3 with a thickness of200 nm is used. However, in order to raise the respective temperaturesof the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4, extremely large laserpower is required. Considering the performance of the semiconductorlaser, the thickness of the readout layer 3 is preferably set to orbelow 200 nm, more preferably below 150 nm, and the compensationtemperature and Curie temperature of the readout layer 3 are preferablyset to or below 500° C., more preferably below 450° C.

As to the material for the recording layer 4, a material which hasperpendicular magnetization in a temperature range of roomtemperature—Curie temperature and which has a Curie temperature suitablefor recording (at around 150-250° C.) may be used.

In the present embodiment, DyFeCo is used for the recording layer 4.DyFeCo is a material having a small perpendicular magnetic anisotoropy,and thus by adapting DyFeCo, a recording operation can be carried outeven with a small external magnetic field. This is an advantageouscharacteristic especially for the overwrite recording method by themagnetic field modulation (to be described later), and a compact size ofthe recording-use magnetic field generation device, and the reduction inthee electric power consumption are enabled.

Other suitable materials for the recording layer 4 are TbFeCo, GdTbFe,NdDyFeCo, GdDyFeCo and GdTbFeCo. For example, whenTb_(X)(Fe_(Y)Co_(1−Y))_(1−X) is used, with respect to a given value Y, Xis preferably set so as to satisfy the inequality: 0.10≦X≦0.30. Forexample, Tb_(0.18)(Fe_(0.88)Co_(0.12))_(0.82) may be used.

The material used in the recording layer 4 was changed fromDy_(0.23)(Fe_(0.78)Co_(0.22))_(0.77) toTb_(0.18)(Fe_(0.88)Co_(0.12))_(0.82), and the same performance test wasconducted, and the same results as the above performance test wereobtained.

The TbFeCo has large perpendicular magnetic anisotoropy Ku ofsubstantiality 3-4×10⁶ erg/cc. The shape of the Kerr hysteresis loopsquareness will not be destroyed at high temperature, thereby providinga magneto-optical recording medium which ensures a high quality of areproduced signal.

For reference, the Kerr hysteresis loop obtained from themagneto-optical disk having the recording layer 4 made of TbFeCo isshown in FIG. 38(a). The Kerr hysteresis loop obtained from themagneto-optical disk having the recording layer 4 made of DyFeCo whoseperpendicular magnetic anisotoropy Ku is substantially 1×10⁶ erg/cc isshown in FIG. 38(b). Here, the Kerr hysteresis loop was measured fromthe side of the recording layer: 4 with respect to the substrate 1 ofthe magneto-optical disk at temperature of 180° C.

From the figures, the shape of the squareness of DyFeCo became worse;however, the shape of the squareness of TbFeCo had the largeperpendicular magnetic anisotoropy Ku. Thus, the recording bit had aclean edge shape, thereby providing a magneto-optical recording mediumwhich ensures the high quality reproduced signal.

Additionally, by adding at least one element selected from the groupconsisting of Cr, V, Nb, Mn, Be and Ni, to the material used in therecording layer 4, a reliable performance of the recording layer 4 canbe ensured for a longer period of time. The suitable thickness of therecording layer 4 is determined by the material, the composition of thematerial used in the readout layer 3 and the composition thereof and thethickness of the readout layer 3, and it is preferably set in a range of20 nm-100 nm.

The thickness of AlN (transparent dielectric film 2) is not limited to80 nm.

The thickness of the transparent dielectric film 2 is determined inconsidering a so-called Kerr effect enhancement which increases a polarKerr rotation angle from the readout layer 3 utilizing the interferenceeffect of light in reproducing from the magneto-optical disk. In orderto make the signal quality (C/N) in reproducing as high as possible, theKerr rotation angle is set as large as possible.

The film thickness changes depending on the wavelength of thereproducing light and the refractive index of the transparent dielectricfilm 2. In the present embodiment, AlN is used as a material for thetransparent dielectric film 2, which has the refractive index of 2.0with respective to the reproducing light with a wavelength of 780 nm.Thus, with the use of AlN with a thickness of 30-120 nm for thetransparent dielectric film 2, a large Kerr effect enhancement can beachieved. More preferably, AlN with a thickness of 70-100 nm is used forthe transparent dielectric film 2 because the Kerr rotation angle isalmost maximized in the above range of the film thickness.

The above explanation has been given through the case of a reproducinglight with a wavelength of 780 nm. However, the wavelength of thereproducing light is not limited to this. For example, when areproducing light with a wavelength of 400 nm which is substantially ½of the above wavelength of 780 nm, the thickness of the transparentdielectric film 2 is preferably set ½ of the film thickness when thereproducing light with the wavelength of 780 nm is used.

Additionally, the refractive index of the transparent dielectric film 2may be changed depending on a material used in the transparentdielectric film 2 or the method used in manufacturing the transparentdielectric film 2. In such a case, the thickness of the transparentdielectric film 2 is adjusted so as to set the refractive index×the filmthickness (=optical path length) constant.

In the case of the present embodiment, 2 (the refractive index of AlNused in the transparent dielectric film 2)×80 nm (film thickness of thetransparent dielectric film)=160 nm (optical path length). However, forexample, when the refractive index of AlN is changed from 2 to 2.5, thefilm thickness is preferably set at 160 nm/2.5=64 nm.

As can be seen from the above explanation, by making the refractiveindex of the transparent dielectric film 2 greater, the film thicknessof the transparent dielectric film 2 can be made thinner, and thegreater enhance effect of the polar Kerr rotation angle can be achieved.

The refractive index of AlN can be changed by changing the ratio of Arto N. (sputtering gas used in sputtering), the gas pressure, etc. Ingeneral, AlN has relatively large refractive index of approximately1.8-2.1, and thus it is a suitable material for the transparentdielectric film 2.

Not only for the enhancement of the Kerr effect, the transparentdielectric film 2 also prevents the oxidization of the readout layer 3and the recording layer 4 which are magnetic layers made of rare-earthtransition metal alloy as the protective film 5 does.

The magnetic layer made of rare-earth transition metal is likely to beoxidized, and especially, rare-earth metal is very likely to beoxidized. Therefore, entering of oxygen and moisture from outside mustbe prevented in order to prevent the deterioration of the properties ofthe layers.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 are sandwiched by the AlN films. Since the AlN film isa nitrogen film which does not include oxygen, its moisture resistanceis high.

Furthermore, AlN which has a large refractive index (in the vicinity of2) is transparent, and it does not include oxygen. Thus, with the use ofAlN, a reliable performance of the magneto-optical disk can be ensuredfor a long period of time.

Additionally, using Al target, a reactive DC (direct current) sputteringmay be carried out by introducing N2 gas or mixed gas of Ar and N2. Inthis sputtering method, a faster film forming speed can be achievedcompared with the RF (high frequency) sputtering method.

Other than AlN, the following materials which have large refractiveindex are suitable for the transparent dielectric film 2: SiN, AlSiN,AlTaN, SiAlON, TiN, TiON, BN, ZnS, TiO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃. Especially,since SiN, AlSiN, AlTiN, TiN, BN and ZnS do not include oxygen, themagneto-optical disk which has an excellent moisture resistance beprovided.

SiN, AlSiN, AlTaN, SiAlON, TiN, TiON, BN, ZnS, TiO₂, BaTiO₃, SrTiO₃ areformed by sputtering. AlSiN, AlTaN, TiN, TiO₂ may be formed by reactiveDC sputtering, which has an advantage of faster film forming speed. Therefractive index of SiN, AlSiN, AlTaN, BN and SiAlON is in a range of1.8-2.1. The refractive index of TiN is in a range of 2-2.4. Therefractive index of ZnS and TiON is in a range of 2-2.5. The refractiveindex of TiO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃ is in a range of 2.2-2.8. The-aboverefractive indexes change depending on the sputtering conditions.

Since the thermal conductivity of SiN and AlSiN is relatively small,they are suitable for a high sensitivity recording magneto-optical disk.Since AlTaN and TiN respectively include Ta and Ti, with the use ofthese material, the magneto-optical disk which has an excellentcorrosion resistance can be achieved. Since BN is extremely hard and hasan excellent abrasion resistance, with the use of BN, themagneto-optical disk can be prevented from being scratched, therebyensuring a reliable performance of the disk for a long period of time.The targets for TiO₂, BaTiO₃ and TiON can be obtained at reasonableprice. Since TiO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃ have relatively large refractiveindex, a magneto-optical disk which ensures a high quality reproducedsignal can be achieved.

By changing the material used in the transparent dielectric film 2 ofthe above magneto-optical disk from AlN to SiN, the same performancetest was conducted, and the same experimental results as the aboveexperiment were obtained.

In the present embodiment, the AlN used in the protective film 5 is setat 20 nm thick. However, the film thickness of the protective film 5 isnot limited to this, and it is preferably set in a range of 1-200 nm.

In the present embodiment, the film thickness of the readout layer 3 andthe recording layer 4 being laminated is set at 100 nm thick. With thisthickness, a light which is incident thereon from the optical pickup ishardly transmitted through the magnetic layer. Therefore, there is notlimit for the film thickness of the protective film 5 as long as theoxidization of the film can be prevented for a long period of time.Therefore, when the material which has low oxidization resistance isused, the film thickness should be made thick; on the other hand, whenthe material which has high oxidization resistance is used, the filmthickness should be made thin.

The thermal conductivity of the protective film 5 as well as thetransparent dielectric film 2 affects the recording sensitivity of themagneto-optical disk. Specifically, the recording sensitivity representsthe laser power required for recording or erasing. The light incident onthe magneto-optical disk is mainly transmitted through the transparentdielectric film 2. Then, it is absorbed by the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 which are absorbing films, and changes into heat.Here, heat generated from the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4moves onto the transparent dielectric film 2 and the protective film 5by the conduction of heat. Therefore, the respective thermalconductivities and the thermal capacities (specific heat) of thetransparent dielectric film 2 and the protective film 5 affect therecording sensitivity.

This means that the recording sensitivity of the magneto-optical diskcan be controlled to some extent. For example, by making the filmthickness of the protective film 5 thinner, the recording sensitivitycan be increased (a recording or erasing operation can be carried outwith low laser power). Normally, in order to extend the life of thelaser, it is preferable to have relatively high recording sensitivity,and thus the thinner protective film 5 is preferable.

In this sense also, AlN is a suitable material. Because of its excellentmoisture resistance, by adapting it to the protective film 5, themagneto-optical disk which ensures a high recording sensitivity can beachieved.

In the present embodiment, AlN is used both in the protective film 5 andthe transparent dielectric film 2. Therefore, the magneto-optical diskof the present invention has an excellent moisture resistance. Moreover,since the same material is used for the transparent dielectric film 2and the protective film 5, the manufacturing efficiency of themagneto-optical disk can be improved. As described, AlN has an excellentmoisture resistance, and thus the AlN film can be set relatively thin(20 nm). The thinner film is preferable in a term of productivity aswell.

In considering the above objective and effect, other than AlN, thefollowing materials which can be used also as materials for thetransparent dielectric film are suitable for the protective film 5: SiN,AlSiN, AlTaN, SiAlON, TiN, TiON, BN, ZnS, TiO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃.

Additionally, by the use of a common material for the protective film 5and the transparent dielectric film 2, the manufacturing efficiency canbe improved.

Especially, when SiN, AlSiN, AlTaN, TiN, BN or ZnS which does notinclude oxygen is used, a magneto-optical disk which has an excellentmoisture resistance can be achieved.

Other than glass, chemically tempered glass may be used. Alternatively,2P layered glass substrate in which ultraviolet ray hardening resin filmis formed on the glass or chemically tempered glass substrate,polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), amorphous polyolefin(APO), polystyrene (PS), polybiphenyl chloride (PVC), epoxy, etc., maybe used for the substrate 1.

When chemically tempered glass is used as a material for the substrate1, the following advantages can be obtained: excellent mechanicalproperties (in the case of a magneto-optical disk, vibration,eccentricity, warpage, tilt, etc.,) can be achieved; the hardness of thesubstrate 1 becomes large; by being chemically stable, it is not likelyto be dissolved into various kind of solvent; sand or dust is not likelyto adhere to the substrate because it is difficult to be chargedcompared with the plastic substrate; by being chemically tempered, themoisture resistance, oxidization resistance and thermal resistance canbe improved, and thus a reliable performance of the magneto-opticalrecording medium can be ensured for a long period of time; and having anexcellent optical property, a high quality signal can be ensured.

Additionally, when the glass or chemically tempered glass is used as amaterial for the substrate 1, as a method for forming a guide track forguiding a light beam and for forming a signal called prepit formedbeforehand on the substrate for recording an address signal, etc, thereactive dry etching method to be carried out on the surface of thesurface of the glass substrate is used. Alternatively, the guide truckor the prepit may be formed on the resin layer by projecting a lightbeam onto the 2P layered ultraviolet hardening resin and thereafter byremoving the stamper.

When PC is used as a material for the substrate 1, the followingadvantages can be achieved: because an injection molding can be formed,a mass-production of the same substrate 1 is enabled, and thus themanufacturing cost can be reduced; having low humidity absorptioncompared with other plastics, a reliable performance of themagneto-optical disk can be ensured for a longer period of time, andexcellent heat resistance and impact resistance can be achieved.Additionally, including PC, as to the material which permits injectionmolding, a guide truck, a prepit, etc., can be formed simultaneously onthe surface of the substrate 1 when molding only by installing thestamper onto the metal molding mold when injection molding,

When PMMA is used as a material for the substrate 1, the followingadvantages can be achieved: because injection molding is permitted, amass-production of the same substrate 1 is enabled, and thus themanufacturing cost can be reduced; and having low double refractioncompared with other plastics, it has an excellent optical property, andthus a high quality signal can be ensured; and it has excellent heatresistance and impact resistance.

When APO is used as a material for the substrate 1, the followingadvantages can be achieved: because injection molding is permitted, amass-production of the same substrate 1 is enabled, and thus themanufacturing cost can be reduced; having low absorptance compared withother plastics, a reliable performance of the magneto-optical disk canbe ensured for a longer period of time, and having a small doublerefraction compared with other plastics, it has an excellent opticalproperty, and thus a high quality signal can be ensured; and it has highheat resistance and impact resistance.

When PS is used as a material for the substrate 1, the followingadvantages can be achieved: because injection molding is permitted, amass-production of the same substrate 1 is enabled, and thus themanufacturing cost can be reduced; and having a low absorptance comparedwith other plastics, a reliable performance of the magneto-optical diskcan be ensured for a longer period of time.

When PVC is used as a material for the substrate 1, the followingadvantages can be achieved: because injection molding is permitted, amass-production of the same substrate 1 is enabled, and thus themanufacturing cost can be reduced; having a low absorbance compared withother plastics, a reliable performance of the magneto-optical disk canbe ensured for a longer period of time; and it is fire retardant.

When epoxy is used as a material for the substrate 1, the followingadvantages can be achieved: having a low absorptance compared with otherplastics, a reliable performance of the magneto-optical disk can beensured for a longer period of time; and as being a thermosetting resin,it has an excellent heat resistance.

As described, various materials may be used for the substrate 1; howeverwhen adapting the above materials for the substrate 1 of themagneto-optical disk, the following optical and mechanical propertiesare preferably satisfied:

refractive index: 1.44-1.62

double refraction: not more than 100 nm (double

refraction measured by a parallel beam)

transmittance: not less than 90%

deviation in thickness: 0.1 mm

tilt: not more than 10 mrad

vibration acceleration: not more than 10 m/s²

radial direction acceleration: not more than 3 m/s².

The optical pickup for conversing a laser beam onto the recording layer4 is designed so as to adjust to the refractive index of the substrate1. Therefore, if the refractive index of the substrate 1 greatlydeviates, the laser beam may not be able to be converged sufficiently.Furthermore, if the laser beam is not converged constantly, thetemperature distribution of the recording medium (readout layer 3 andthe recording layer 4) is subjected to change, thereby adverselyaffecting the recording and reproducing operations. In the presentinvention, the temperature distribution of the recording medium whenreproducing is especially important. Therefore, the refractive index ofthe substrate 1 is preferably set within a range of 1.44-1.62.

Since a laser beam is incident through the substrate 1, if doublerefraction occurs in the substrate 1, the polarization state changeswhen the laser beam is being transmitted through the substrate 1. In thearrangement of the present invention, a change in the magnetic state ofthe readout layer 3 is recognized as a change in the polarization stateby utilizing the Kerr effect. Therefore, if the polarization statechanges when the laser beam is transmitted through the substrate 1, areproducing operation cannot be carried out. For this reason, doublerefraction of the substrate 1 measured by parallel light is preferablyset below 100 nm.

As to the transmittance, if the transmittance of the substrate 1 becomestoo low, for example, when a light beam is transmitted from the opticalpickup through the substrate 1 in recording, a light amount reduces.Therefore, in order to retain a light amount sufficient in recording, alaser source designed for higher output is required. Especially, in thearrangement of the present invention, since the recording medium has adoublelayer structure composed of the recording layer 4. and the readoutlayer 3, compared with the conventional recording medium of singlelayerstructure (the readout layer 3 is not provided), a greater amount oflight is required for raising the temperature of the recording medium.For this reason, the transmittance of the substrate 1 is preferably setto or above 90%.

The optical pickup for converging a laser beam onto the recording layer4 is designed so as to adjust to the thickness of the substrate 1.Therefore, if the thickness of the substrate 1 greatly deviates, thelaser beam may not be able to be converged sufficiently. Furthermore, ifthe laser beam is not converged under the stable condition, thetemperature distribution of the recording medium is subjected to change,thereby adversely affecting the recording and reproducing operations. Inthe present invention, the temperature distribution of the recordingmedium when reproducing is especially important. Therefore, thedeviation in the thickness of the substrate 1 is preferably set within arange of ±0.1 mm.

If the substrate 1 is tilted, a laser beam from the optical pickup isconverged onto the tilted recording medium surface. Thus, the convergedstate changes depending on the degree of tilt, thereby adverselyaffecting the recording and reproducing operation as is occurred whenthe thickness of the substrate 1 deviates. In the present invention, thetilt of the substrate 1 is set below 10 mrad, more preferably below 5mrad.

When the substrate 1 moves up and down with respect to the opticalpickup, the optical pickup is activated so as to compensate themovement, and a laser beam is converged onto the surface of therecording medium. However, if the substrate 1 greatly moves up and down,it may not be possible to activate the optical pickup so as tocompletely compensate the movement. Therefore, the laser beam may not beable to be converged onto the recording medium sufficiently, and thus,the temperature distribution of the recording medium changes, therebyadversely affecting recording and reproducing operations. In the presentinvention, since the temperature distribution of the recording medium inreproducing is especially important, as to the up and down movement ofthe substrate 1 in rotating, the vibration acceleration is preferablyset to or below 10 m/s². On the substrate 1, the guide truck for guidinga light beam is formed beforehand at 1.0-1.6 μm pitch. However, if aneccentricity exists in the guide truck, while the disk is being rotated,the guide truck moves in a radial direction with respect to the opticalpickup. In this case, the optical pickup is activated so as tocompensate the movement in a radial direction, and a laser beam isconverged with a predetermined relationship with the guide track.However, if the guide track is greatly moved in a radial directionbecomes, it may not be possible to activate the optical pickup so as tosufficiently compensate this movement. Thus, the optical pickup cannotcontrol the light beam so as to be converged with a predeterminedrelationship from the guide truck. As described, in the presentinvention, the temperature distribution of the recording medium whenreproducing is especially important, and thus, as to the movement in aradial direction of the substrate 1 while being rotated, itsacceleration in a radial direction is preferably to or below 3 M/s².

There are two methods for directing a converged laser beam to apredetermined position on the magneto-optical disk: successive servosystem utilizing a spiral or concentric guide truck; and a sample servosystem utilizing a spiral or concentric pit string.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the case of a successive servo system, a groovewith a width of 0.2-0.6 μm is formed with a depth of substantiallyλ/(8n) at a pitch of 1.2-1.6 μm, and generally, recording andreproducing of information are carried out on and from the land which iscalled a land-use magneto-optical disk. Here, λ indicates a wavelengthof a laser beam, and n indicates the refractive index of the substrate.

It is very possible to adapt the above generally used method to thepresent invention. In the present invention, crosstalk from therecording bit on the adjacent tracks can be reduced to a great degree.Therefore, for example, in the case of a magneto-optical disk in whichrecording and reproducing are carried out on and from the land, evenwhen a groove is formed with a width of 0.1-0.4 μm at a pitch of 0.5-1.2μm, recording and reproducing operations can be carried out withouthaving an adverse effect of the crosstalk from the adjoining recordingbits, thereby significantly improving a recording density.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the groove and the land are formed with thesame width at a pitch of 0.8-1.6 μm, and recording and reproducingoperations are carried out on and from both the land and the groove,recording and reproducing operations can be carried out without havingan adverse effect of the crosstalk from the adjoining recording bits,thereby significantly improving a recording density.

When a sample servo system is adapted, as shown in FIG. 18, a wobble pitis formed beforehand with a depth of substantially (λ/(4n)) at pitch of1.2-1.6 μm. In general, recording and reproducing of information iscarried out so as to scan the center of the wobble pit.

It is very possible to adapt the above generally used method to thepresent invention. In the present invention, crosstalk from therecording bit on the adjacent tracks can be reduced to a great degree.Therefore, for example, in the case of a magneto-optical disk in which awobble pit is formed at a pitch of 0.5-1.2 μm, recording and reproducingoperations can be carried out without having an adverse effect of thecrosstalk from the adjoining recording bits, thereby significantlyimproving a recording density.

As shown in FIG. 19, a wobble pit is formed at a pitch of 0.8-1.6 μm,and recording and reproducing of information are carried out withrespect to an area wherein the wobble pit exists in opposite polarity,recording and reproducing operations can be carried out without havingan adverse effect of the crosstalk from the adjoining recording bits,thereby significantly improving a recording density.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the above successive servo system, wheninformation indicative of position on the magneto-optical disk isobtained by wobbling the groove, in the area where the wobbling stateshows opposite phase, there arises a problem that the crosstalk from therecording bit on the adjoining groove becomes large. However, thepresent invention permits even in the area where the wobbling stateshows opposite phase, crosstalk from the recording bit on the adjoininggroove can be prevented, thereby achieving desirable recording andreproducing operations.

Moreover, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodiment is alsoapplicable to a variety of the following optical pickups designed forrecording and reproducing information.

In the case of an optical pickup of a multiple beam system, for example,when an optical pickup of a multiple beam system wherein a plurality oflight beams are used, generally it is set such that among a plurality oflight beams, the light beams on both ends scan on the guide track, andrecording and reproducing operations are carried out using other lightbeams in between. However, with the use of the present invention, evenwhen the width of the light beam is reduced, a reproducing operation canbe carried out without having an adverse effect of the crosstalk fromthe adjoining recording bit, and thus the pitch of the guide truck canbe made shorter. Alternatively, a greater number of laser beams can beused between a pair of guide trucks in recording and reproducing,thereby achieving a still higher density recording and reproducingoperation.

In the above explanation, under the conditions that the number ofaperture (N.A.) of the objective lens of the adapted optical pickup isset in a range of 0.4-0.6 which is a generally used value, and thewavelength of the laser beam is set in a range of 670-840 nm, guidetruck pitch, etc., has been discussed. However, by making greater theN.A., i.e., in a range of 0.6-0.95, a laser beam can be converged to asmaller spot, and by adapting the magneto-optical disk of the presentinvention, the pitch and the width of the guide truck can be made stillnarrower, thereby permitting a still higher recording and reproducingdensity.

Additionally, with a use of an argon laser beam with a wavelength of 480nm, or a laser beam with a wavelength of 335-600 nm utilizing a SHGelement, the laser beam can be converged to a smaller spot, and furtherwith the use of the present invention, the pitch and the width of theguide track can be made still narrower, thereby enabling a still higherdensity recording and reproducing operations.

As to a/w, that in a range of 0.3-1.0 may be used. Here, a representsoptically effective diameter of the lens, and w represents a radius atwhich the intensity of the light beam is 1/e² of the intensity of thecenter of the light beam when the intensity of the light beam showsGaussian distribution.

Next, the following description deals with the disk format to be adaptedin the magneto-optical disk of the present embodiment.

In general, in the magneto-optical disk, in order to maintain thecompatibility between different brands and different magneto-opticaldisks, respective value and duty of the power required in recording anderasing at each radial position are recorded beforehand by a prepitstring with a depth of substantially (λ/(4n)) in a part of an inner ofouter circumference. Moreover, based on the read values of the above, atest area is provided in inner or outer circumference wherein recordingand reproducing tests can be actually carried out (for example, seeIS10089 standard).

As to the reproducing power, information which specifies a reproducingpower is recorded in a portion of an inner or outer circumferencebeforehand in a form of a prepit string.

In the magneto-optical disk of the present invention, the temperaturedistribution of the recording medium in reproducing greatly affects thereproducing performance. Therefore, the setting of the reproducing poweris extremely important.

As a method for setting a reproducing power, for example, the followingmethod is preferable: as in the case of a recording power, a test areafor setting a reproducing power is provided on an inner or outercircumference, and information for optimizing the reproducing powerobtained from the test area for each radial position is preferablerecorded on a part of an inner or outer circumference in a form of a pitstring.

Especially, when a magneto-optical disk drive which adapts a CAV systemwherein the rotating speed is constant, since the linear velocity of themagneto-optical disk changes depending on the radial position, thereproducing laser power is preferably adjusted for each radial position.Therefore, information segmented in as many areas in radial direction aspossible is preferably recorded in a form of a prepit string.

As a method for setting an optimum reproducing laser power each radialposition, the following method is available as well: a recording area isdivided into a plurality of zones by a radial position, and the optimumrecording power and the reproducing power are set using the test areasprovided in the respective zones, thereby permitting the temperaturedistribution of the recording medium to be accurately controlled inreproducing. As a result, a desirable recording and reproducingoperations can be achieved.

The magneto-optical disk of the present embodiment is applicable to avarious recording system as explained below.

A method for recording on the initial model of the magneto-optical diskwhereon overwriting is not permitted is described first.

The initial model of the magneto-optical disk under IS10089 standard(ISO standard set for 5.25″ rewritable optical disk) has been popularlyused on the market. In writing new information, first erasing must becarried out from the portion, and then new information can be recordedthereon. Therefore, at least two rotations of the magneto-optical diskare required. Thus, the initial model of the magneto-optical diskpresents the problem of low transfer speed.

On the other hand, the initial model of the magneto-optical disk has anadvantage that the properties required for the magnetic films are not ashigh as the magneto-optical disk whereon overwriting is permitted (to bedescribed later).

In order to overcome the defect that overwriting is not permitted, thefollowing method has been adapted in some devices: for example, aplurality of optical heads are provided so as to eliminate the time lossrequired for waiting, thereby improving a data transfer speed.

More specifically, two optical heads are used: the optical head in frontis used for erasing the recorded information; and the other whichfollows the above optical head is used for recording new information. Inreproducing, either one of the optical heads is used.

In the case where three optical heads are used, the optical head infront is used for erasing the recorded information; the optical headwhich follows next is used for recording new information; and opticalhead which follows last is used for verifying that new information isrecorded accurately.

Alternatively, the overwriting is permitted by means of a single opticalhead by arranging such that a plurality of light beams are producedusing a beam splitter instead of using a plurality of optical heads.

Therefore, without a process for erasing the information alreadyrecorded on the disk, new information can be recorded. Thus, the initialmodel of the magneto-optical disk can be improved with a functionsimilar to the overwriting function.

As described in the experimental results of the above explanation, ithas been proved that the magneto-optical disk of the present inventionpermits recording, reproducing and erasing operations, which can be usedwhen adapting the recording method of the present invention.

Next, the magnetic field modulation overwrite recording system will beexplained.

By the magnetic field modulation overwrite recording system, informationis recorded by modulating the intensity of the magnetic field inaccordance with the information while a laser of a constant power isbeing projected onto the magneto-optical recording medium. The magneticfield modulation overwrite recording system will be explained in moredetail in reference to FIG. 22.

FIG. 22 is a typical depiction which shows one example of themagneto-optical disk device whereon overwriting by the magnetic fieldmodulation is permitted. The device is provided with a light source (notshown) for projecting a laser beam in recording and reproducing, anoptical head 11 which stores therein a receiving element (not shown) forreceiving a reflected light from the magneto-optical disk when recordingand reproducing and a floating-type magnetic head 12 which iselectrically or mechanically connected to the optical head 11.

The floating-type magnetic head 12 is composed of a slider 12 a and amagnetic head 12 b which includes a core made of MnZn ferrite, etc.,having a coil wound around thereon. The floating-type magnetic head 12is pressed down toward the magneto-optical disk 14 so as to maintain apredetermined distance of approximately several μm-to several tens μmwhile the magneto-optical disk 14 is belong rotated.

In this state, the floating-type magnetic head 12 and the optical head11 are moved to a desired radial position in the recording area of themagneto-optical disk 14, and a laser beam with a power of 2-10 mW isprojected thereon from the optical head 11 so as to raise thetemperature of the recording layer 4 to the vicinity of Curietemperature (or the temperature at which coercive force becomes nearlyzero). In this state, in accordance with information to be recorded,magnetic field whose magnetization direction reverses upward anddownward is applied from the magnetic head 12 b. As a result,information can be recorded by the overwrite recording system withouthaving an erasing process of information already recorded on the disk.

In the present embodiment, the laser power used in overwriting by themagnetic field modulation is set constant. However, when the polarity ofthe magnetic field changes, if the laser power is reduced to a power atwhich a recording is not permitted, the shape of the recording bit to berecorded can be improved, thereby improving the quality of a reproducedsignal.

When carrying out a high speed recording by the magnetic fieldmodulation overwriting, the modulation of the magnetic field must becarried out at high speed. However, the magnetic head 12 b has limits interms of its electric power consumption and size. Therefore, it is notpossible for the magnetic head 12 b to generate such a large electricfield. This means that the magneto-optical disk 14 must be arranged suchthat a recording operation can be carried out with a relatively smallmagnetic field.

In considering the above, the magneto-optical disk of the presentembodiment, Curie temperature of the recording layer 4 is set low (in arange of 150-250° C.) so that recoding operation can be easily carriedout. Furthermore, by adapting DyFeCo which has small perpendicularmagnetic anisotoropy, the magnetic field required for recording can bemade smaller. Thus, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodimenthas a structure suitable for the magnetic field modulation overwritesystem.

Next, a light intensity modulation overwrite recording system will beexplained below.

When the light intensity modulation overwrite recording system isadapted, information is recorded in an opposite way to the magneticfield modulation overwrite recording system. Namely, information isrecorded by modulating a laser power in accordance with the informationto be recorded while a magnetic field of a constant intensity is beingapplied onto the magneto-optical recording medium. The light intensitymodulation recording system will be explained in more detail inreference to FIG. 23 through FIG. 27.

FIG. 24 shows the temperature dependency of coercive force in adirection perpendicular to the film surfaces of the readout layer 3 andthe recording layer 4 and the recording magnetic field HW suitable forthe overwrite recording method by the light intensity modulation to bedescribed later.

A recording operation is carried out by projecting a laser beam which ismodulated into two levels (high and low) while the recording magneticfield Hw is being applied. Namely, as shown in FIG. 25, when a laserbeam of high level I is projected, both the temperatures of the readoutlayer 3 and the recording layer 4 are raised to TH which is in thevicinity of or above the respective Curie temperatures Tc₁ and Tc₂. Onthe other hand, when a laser beam of low level II is projected, only thetemperature of the recording layer 4 is raised to T_(L) which is aboveCurie temperature Tc₂.

Therefore, when the laser beam of low level II is projected, since thecoercive force H₁ of the readout layer 3 is sufficiently small, themagnetization in the readout layer is arranged in the magnetizationdirection of the recording magnetic field Hw. Furthermore, it is copiedto the recording layer 4 in the process of cooling off. Namely, themagnetization becomes upward as shown in FIG. 23.

Next, when a laser beam of high level I is projected, since thetemperature of the readout layer 3 is raised above its compensationtemperature, the magnetization direction of the readout layer 3 isarranged in an opposite direction to the case of projecting a laser beamof low level II by the recording magnetic field Hw. Namely, themagnetization direction of the readout layer 3 is downward. In theprocess of cooling off, the temperature is dropped to a temperature aslow as the case of projecting a laser beam of low level II; however, thecooling process of the readout layer 3 and the cooling process of therecording layer 4 are different (the recording layer 4 is cooled off atfaster speed). Therefore, only the recording layer 4 has temperatureT_(L) obtained by projecting the laser beam of low level II, and themagnetization direction of the readout layer 3 is copied to therecording layer 4 (downward). Thereafter, the temperature obtained byprojecting the readout layer 3 is cooled off to the temperature of thelaser beam of low level II, and the magnetization direction is arrangedin the magnetization direction of the recording magnetic field H_(W)(upward). Here, since the magnetization direction of the recording layer4 is not arranged in the magnetization direction of the recordingmagnetic field Hw since its coercive force H2 is sufficiently largerthan the recording magnetic field Hw.

In reproducing, with the projection of the laser beam with an intensitylevel III (FIG. 25), the temperature of the readout layer 3 is raised toT_(R) (FIG. 24), and a transition occurs in the readout layer 3 fromin-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization. As a result, boththe recording layer 4 and the readout layer 3 exhibit perpendicularmagnetic anisotoropy. Here, a recording magnetic field Hw is notapplied, or even when it is applied, since the recording magnetic fieldHw is significantly smaller than the coercive force H₂ of the recordinglayer 4, in reproducing, the magnetization direction of the readoutlayer 3 is arranged in the magnetization direction of the recordinglayer 4 by the exchange coupling force exerted on the interface betweenthe layers.

As described, information can be recorded by the overwrite recordingsystem without a process for erasing information already recorded.

A recording operation may be carried out by projecting modulated lightbeams of two types shown in FIG. 26 or 27, while recording magneticfield Hw is being applied.

Specifically, when a laser beam of high level (type I) is projected, therespective temperatures of the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4are raised to T_(H) which is the vicinity of or above the respectiveCurie temperatures T_(C1) and T_(C2). On the other hand, when a laserbeam of low level (type II) is projected, only the temperature of therecording layer 4 is raised to T_(L) which is above Curie temperatureT_(C2). In this way, the respective cooling of f processes of thereadout layer 3 and the recoding layer 4 can be set significantlydifferent, especially when the laser beam of high level (type I) isprojected. Specifically, the recording layer 4 is cooled off at higherspeed. Thus, the rewriting operation can be easily carried out.

Here, after projecting the laser beam of high level (type I), a laserbeam of an intensity not less than high level may be projected for awhile as long as the intensity thereof is below high level.

The above recording method has an advantage that when overwriting by thelight intensity modulation, an initialization-use magnetic field whichis generally required can be eliminated.

The magneto-optical disk (FIG. 1) is a so-called single sided type. Forconvenience in the explanation, the thin film of the magneto-opticaldisk, i.e., the transparent dielectric film 2, the readout layer 3, therecording layer 4 and the protective film 5 is referred to as arecording medium layer. Thus, the magneto optical disk is composed of asubstrate 1, recording medium layer 9 and the overcoat film 6 as shownin FIG. 28.

A so-called both sided magneto-optical disk is shown in FIG. 29. In thistype of magneto-optical disk, a pair of the substrates 1 whereon therecording medium layers 9 are respectively laminated by adhesive layer10 so that respective recording magnetic layers 9 confront one another.

As to the material for the adhesive layer 10, especially, polyurethaneacrylate adhesive layer is preferable. The above adhesive layer isprovided with a combination of the hardening properties obtained byultraviolet ray, heat and anaerobic. Therefore, this adhesive layer hasan advantage that the shadow portion of the recording medium layer 9through which the ultraviolet ray is not transmitted can be hardened byheat and anaerobic. Moreover, because of its high moisture resistance, areliable performance of the magneto-optical disk of double-sided typecan be ensured for a long period of time.

On the other hand, the magneto-optical disk of a single-sided type issuitable for a compact magneto-optical recording and reproducing devicebecause the required thickness is as thin as ½ of that required for theboth-sided magneto-optical disk.

The magneto-optical disk of a double-sided type is suitable for thelarge capacity magneto-optical recording and reproducing device becauseboth sides can be used for recording and reproducing.

In determining which type of the magneto-optical disk is suitable(both-sided or signal-sided), the thickness and the capacity of themagneto-optical disk should be considered as explained above. Whichrecording method is adapted is also an important factor to be consideredas explained below.

As well known, in recording information on the magneto-optical disk,light beam and magnetic field are used. As shown in FIG. 22, in themagneto-optical disk device, a light beam is emitted from a light sourcesuch as a semiconductor laser so as to be converged onto the recordingmedium layer 9 by the converging lens 8 through the substrate 1.Further, by a magnetic field generation unit (for example, afloating-type magnetic head 12) such as a magnet, an electromagnet,provided so as to confront the light source, magnetic field is appliedonto the recording medium layer 9. In recording, by setting the lightbeam intensity higher than the light beam used in reproducing, thetemperature of the portion having converged thereon a light beam of therecording medium layer 9 is raised. As a result, coercive force of themagnetic film at the portion becomes smaller. In this stage, byexternally applying a magnetic field with a size larger than thecoercive force, the magnetization direction of the magnetic film isarranged in the magnetization direction of the applied magnetic field,thereby completing the recording process.

For example, in the overwrite method by magnetic field modulationwherein the recording-use magnetic field is modulated according to theinformation to be recorded, the magnetic field generating device (anelectromagnet in most cases) is required to set at the closest possibleposition to the recording medium layer 9. This is because when heatgenerated from the coil of the electromagnet, in considering electricpower consumption of the device, the size of magnetic field generatingdevice, etc., in order to set the magnetic field to be modulated at afrequency required for recording (in general several hundreds kHz toseveral tens MHz) and the magnetic field required for recording (ingeneral 500 e-several hundreds Oe), the magnetic field generating deviceis required to be set to a distance of 0.2 mm or below, more preferablyto 50 μm. In the case of the both-sided type magneto-optical disk, thesubstrate 1 normally has the thickness of 1.2 mm and at least 0.5 mm isrequired. Thus, when the electromagnet is placed so as to confront thelight beam, the magnetic field sufficient for recording cannot beensured. For this reason, in the device having a recording medium layer9 designed for overwriting by the magnetic field modulation, thesingle-sided type magneto-optical disk is often used.

In the case of the overwrite method by the light intensity modulationwherein a light beam is modulated according to information to berecorded, recording can be carried out with a recording-use magneticfield whose magnetization is fixed in one direction, or without arecording-use magnetic field. Therefore, for example, a permanent magnetwhich has a strong power for generating magnetic field may be used.Thus, the magnetic field modulation is not required to be set at theclosest possible position unlike the case of the magnetic fieldmodulation. The distance of several mm is permitted between therecording medium layer 9 and the magnetic field generating unit.Therefore, not only the single-sided type but also both-sided typemagneto-optical disk are applicable as well.

The single-sided type magneto-optical disk of the present embodiment maybe varied in the following ways:

As a first example, a magneto-optical disk having a hard coat layer onthe overcoat film 6 may be used. The magneto-optical disk is composed ofa substrate 1, recording medium layer 9, an overcoat film 6 and a hardcoat layer. Here, for example, an acrylate family ultraviolet rayhardening type hard coat resin film (hard coat layer) is formed on theovercoat film 6, for example, made of a polyurethan acrylate familyultraviolet ray hardening type resin with a thickness of substantially 6μm. The film thickness of the hard coat layer may be set at 3 μm.

In the above arrangement, since the overcoat film 6 is formed, thedeterioration in the property of the recording medium layer 9 due to theoxidization can be prevented, thereby ensuring a reliable recording andreproducing operation for a long period of time. Additionally, since thehardcoat film made of a hard material and has large wear resistance isprovided, even if the magnet for use in recording is in contact with thedisk, the disk is not easily scarred, or even if it is scarred, the scarwould not reach the recording medium layer 9.

Alternatively, the overcoat film 6 may be arranged so as to be servedalso as a hardcoat film.

As a second example of the single-type magneto-optical disk of thepresent embodiment, the magneto-optical disk having a hardcoat layerformed on the overcoat film 6, and the magneto-optical disk is composedof the hardcoat film, a substrate 1, a recording medium layer 9, anovercoat film 6, and another hardcoat film.

As to the material for the substrate 1 of the magneto-optical disk, aplastic such as PC is generally used. However, since the plastic is avery soft material compared with a glass material, it is easily scarredeven with a small rub by nail. If the disk is badly scarred, the problemof servo jump may occur in recording or reproducing using a light beam,and consequently, the recording and reproducing operations may not beperformed properly.

When reproducing from the magneto-optical disk of the presentembodiment, only the vicinity of the center of the light beam issubjected to reproducing. Thus, compared with the case of theconventional model, an adverse effect of the scar on the surface of thesubstrate in recording or reproducing becomes greater. In order tocounteract this problem, in the arrangement of the present embodiment,the hardcoat film is provided on an opposite side the recording mediumlayer 9 of the substrate 1. This arrangement of the present embodimentis very effective in preventing the disk from being scarred.

The same effect can be obtained for the both-sided type magneto-opticaldisk as well by providing a hardcoat film on the surface of eachsubstrate 1.

As a third example, a charge preventing layer (not shown) is formed onthe overcoat film 6 or the hard coat layer of the first or the secondexample. Alternatively, a layer provided with a charge preventingfunction may be formed in the magneto-optical disk.

As in the case of the problem of the scar, if the dust adheres to thesurface of the substrate 1, it may become impossible to performrecording or reproducing operation. In the case of adapting theoverwrite method by the magnetic field modulation, if dust adheres ontothe overcoat film 6, especially when the floating-type magnetic head 12(FIG. 22) is placed above the overcoat film 6 with a gap of several μm,the floating-type magnetic head 12 and the recording medium layer 9 maybe damaged due to the dust.

However, in the arrangement of the present embodiment, since a layerprovided with a charge preventing function is formed on the substrate 1or the recording medium layer side surface, the substrate 1 and theovercoat film 6 can be prevented from dust adhering thereon.

When reproducing from the magneto-optical disk of the presentembodiment, only the portion corresponding to the vicinity of the centerof the light is subjected to reproduction. Therefore, since an adverseeffect of the scar on the surface of the substrate in recording orreproducing becomes greater than the conventional case, the abovearrangement for preventing dust adhering onto the surface is veryeffective.

As to the charge preventing film, for example acrylic family hard coatresin may be used whereon an electrically conductive filler is mixed,with a thickness of substantially 2-3 μm may be used.

The charge preventing film is provided for decreasing the surfaceresistance so that the surface of the substrate 1 is prevented fromadhering to dust irrespectively of the material used in the substrate 1,i.e., plastic or glass.

Needless to say, it may be arranged such that the overcoat film 6 or thehardcoat layer is provided with a charge preventing effect.

As to the magneto-optical disk of both-sided type, the arrangement ofthe present invention is applicable to the respective surfaces of thesubstrates 1.

As a fourth example, a lubricant film (not shown) may be formed on theovercoat film 6. The magneto-optical disk is composed of the substrate1, the recording medium layer and the overcoat film 6 and a lubricantfilm. As to the material for the lubricant film, for example, afluorocarbon resin may be used, and the film thickness is substantially2 μm.

Since the lubricant film is provided, when overwriting through themagnetic field modulation using the floating-type magnetic head 12,lubricating properties between the floating-type magnetic head 12 andthe magneto-optical disk may be improved.

The floating-type magnetic head 12 is positioned above the recordingmedium layer 9 with a gap of several μm to several tens μm. Namely, thepressing force from the suspension 13 exerted onto the floating magnetichead 12 towards the recording medium layer 9 and the floating forcegenerated by the air flow due to the rotations of the disk exerted so asto apart the floating magnetic head 12 from the disk balance with oneanother, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between the head12 and the disk.

Using the floating-type magnetic head 12, in the case of adapting theCSS (contact-Start-Stop) method, the floating-type magnetic head and themagneto optical disk are in contact with one another until themagneto-optical disk reaches a predetermined rotation speed after itstarts rotating and until the disk is completely stopped after theswitch is turned off. In this method, if an absorption occurs betweenthe floating-type magnetic head 12 and the magneto-optical disk, thefloating-type magnetic head 12 may be damaged when the magneto-opticaldisk starts rotating. However, in the arrangement of the magneto-opticaldisk of the present embodiment, since a lubricant film is formed on theovercoat film 6, the lubricating properties between the floating-typemagnetic head 12 and the magneto-optical disk can be improved, therebypreventing the floating-type magnetic head 12 from being damaged byabsorption.

Needless to say, if a moisture resistance and protective material whichprevents the deterioration of the recording medium layer 9 is used, itis not necessary to provide the overcoat film 6 and the lubricant filmseparately.

As a fifth example, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodimentmay be arranged such that a moisture-proof layer (not shown) and thesecond overcoat film (not shown) are laminated on the side opposite tothe side of the recording medium layer 9. The magneto-optical disk iscomposed of the overcoat film, the moisture-proof layer, the substrate1, the recording medium layer 9 and the overcoat film 6.

As to the material for the moisture-proof layer, a transparentdielectric material such as AlN, AlSiN, SiN, AlTaN, SiO, ZnS, TiO₂, maybe used, and the suitable thickness for the moisture-proof layer isapproximately 5 nm. The second overcoat film is effective especiallywhen a high moisture permeability plastic material such as PC, is usedin the substrate 1.

In the case where the moisture-proof layer is not provided, for example,if the environmental moisture is greatly changed, moisture is absorbedor released in or from only the side where the recording medium layer 9is not provided, i.e., the light incident side of the plastic substrate1. Due to this moisture absorption and release, a partial change in thevolume of the plastic substrate 1 occurs, thereby presenting the problemthat the plastic substrate 1 may be warped.

This warpage of the substrate 1 occurs when the substrate 1 is tiltedwith respect to the optical axis of the light beam used in reproducingor recording information. Therefore, servo may be displaced, and thusthe problem is presented in that the signal quality is lowered. If theservo is greatly displaced, a servo skip may occur.

Additionally, when the substrate 1 is tilted, a laser beam from tieoptical head 11 (see FIG. 22) is converged on the tilted surface of therecording medium layer 9, and thus the converged state changes accordingto the degree of the tilt, thereby adversely affecting the recording andreproducing operations.

Furthermore, when the substrate 1 is moved up and down with respect tothe optical head 11, the optical head 11 is activated so as tocompensate this movement of the substrate 1 and to converge the laserbeam onto the surface of the recording medium layer 9. However, when thesubstrate 1 is greatly moved up and down, the optical head 11 cannotcompensate this movement, and thus the laser beam cannot be convergedonto the recording medium layer 9 sufficiently, and this presents theproblem that the temperature distribution of the recording medium layer9 changes, thereby adversely affecting the recording and reproducingoperation. Especially, in the arrangement of the present application,the temperature distribution of the recording medium layer 9 whenreproducing is important. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent thewarpage of the substrate 1 and a change in the warpage due to anenvironmental change as much as possible.

In the arrangement of the magneto-optical disk, since the moisture-prooflayer is provided, the moisture absorption and release on the surfaceside of the substrate 1 can be prevented, the restitution of thesubstrate 1 can be significantly suppressed. Thus, the abovemagneto-optical disk has an arrangement suitable especially for thepresent invention as explained above.

The second overcoat film on the moisture-proof layer prevents themoisture-proof layer from being scarred and for protecting the surfaceof the substrate 1, and the same material as the material used in theovercoat film 6 on the recording medium layer 9 may be used.

Additionally, the hardcoat layer or the charge prevent layer may beprovided in lieu of the second overcoat film, or may be provided on thesecond overcoat film.

In the present embodiment, a groove with a pitch of 1.6 μm is formed onthe substrate 1. However, it has been confirmed that even if the pitchof the groove is set at 1.2 μm, recording and reproducing operations canbe performed without any problems in practice.

Therefore, when the laser beam with a wavelength shorter than 780 nm andthe converge lens 8 with an N.A. larger than 0.55 are used, and thelight spot diameter of the reproduction-use light beam 7 is madesmaller, recording and reproducing operations can be performed withrespect to the pitch of 1.2 μm or below (for example 0.8 μm) without anyproblems in practice.

As to the respective width of the land and the groove, an error of ±0.05μm should be considered in manufacturing.

The ratio of the land width to the groove width is preferably set suchthat the C/N of the land approximately equals the C/N of the groove. Inconsidering the groove depth, the ratio may be slightly displaced from1:1.

In the magneto-optical device which carries out recording andreproducing operations using a single light beam, the polarity of thetracking servo must be switched in order to switch the position of theservo from the track on the land to the track on the groove.

As a recording method, first a recording operation is carried out withrespect to a track formed on the land, and after the recording operationhas been performed with respect to all the track formed on the land, thepolarity of the tracking servo is switched so as to perform recording ona track formed on the groove. Additionally, it may be arranged such thatthe track formed on the land is divided into logical divisional regionsin a radial direction of the disk, and first a recording operation iscarried out with respect to a track formed on the land in a logicaldivisional region, and after the recording operation has been performedwith respect to all the tracks formed on the land in the logicaldivisional region, the polarity of the tracking servo is switched so asto perform recording on a track formed on a groove in the logicaldivisional region. In this arrangement, an access speed can be improved.

In the case of the magneto-optical disk device, using two light beamsrespectively used in the tracking servo for the track on the land andfor the tracks on the groove, the polarity of the tracking servo is notnecessary to be switched, and a high speed data transfer is enabled.Here, in order to prevent the thermal interference which disturbs theshape of the recording bit, a predetermined distance between the lightbeams is required to maintain.

The second embodiment of the present invention will be explained belowwith reference to FIG. 39. For convenience in the explanation, membershaving the same functions as those of the previous embodiments will bedesignated by the same code, and the descriptions thereof shall beomitted here.

As shown in FIG. 39, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodimentis composed of a substrate 1 whereon a transparent dielectric film 2, areadout layer 3, a recording layer 4, a radiating film 20, an overcoatfilm 6 are laminated in this order.

As to a material for the radiating film 20, Al may be used, and thethickness of the film is preferably set in the vicinity of 100 nm. As tothe material for the substrate 1, the transparent dielectric film 2, thereadout layer 3, the recording layer 4 and the overcoat film 6, thematerials used in the previous embodiment may be used.

In the present embodiment, the radiating film 20 is formed on therecording layer 4, and thus the shape of the recording bit can besharpened for the following reasons:

Most of the light beam incident from the light incident side is absorbedby the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 and is changed intoheat. In this case, the heat is conducted in a vertical direction of thereadout layer 3 and the recording layer 4, and is conducted in ahorizontal direction of the layers as well. Here, if the amount of heattransferred in the horizontal direction is large, and the heat istransferred at low speed, in the case of high speed high densityrecording, the problem of an adverse thermal effect on the recording bitto be recorded next. If this occurs, the length of the recording bitbecomes longer than a predetermined length. Moreover, a recording bitextended in the horizontal direction may be formed. If the recording bitis extended in the horizontal direction, the amount of crosstalk mayincreases, thereby presenting the problem that a desirable recording andreproducing operation cannot be performed.

In the arrangement of the present embodiment, the radiating film 20 madeof Al having the high thermal conductivity is formed on the recordinglayer 4. The heat conducted in a lengthwise direction can be released tothe side of the radiating film 20, i.e., in a height direction, therebyreducing the amount of heat conducted in the horizontal direction.Therefore, recording can be carried out without having a thermalinterference under the high density and high speed recording conditions.

By providing the radiating film 20, in the case of recording by thelight intensity modulation, the following advantages can be obtained.

Since the radiating film 20 is provided, in the process of recording,when the area having a temperature rise by the projection of the lightbeam is cooled off, the difference of a change in the temperature of thereadout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 can be made more significant.Especially in the case of projecting a laser beam of high level, therespective cooling off processes of the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 can be set greatly different (the recording layer 4 iscooled off at faster speed), thereby making easier the rewritingprocess.

Al used in the radiating film 20 has a higher thermal conductivitycompared with the rare-earth transition metal alloy used in the readoutlayer 3 and the recording layer 4. Thus, Al is a suitable material forthe radiating film 20. Additionally, in the case of using AlN for thetransparent dielectric film 2, the following advantages can be achieved.AlN is formed by reactively sputtering an Al target by Ar and N2 gas,and the radiating film 20 can be easily formed by sputtering the same Altarget by Ar gas. Additionally, Al can be obtained at a reasonableprice.

However, the suitable material for the radiating film 20 is not limitedto Al. Other material may be used as long as it has a larger thermalconductivity than the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4. Forexample, Au, Ag, Cu SUS, Ta or Cr may be used as well.

When adapting Au, Ag or Cu for the radiating film 20, by being superiorin terms of oxidization resistance, humidity resistance and corrosionresistance, a reliable performance of the film can be ensured for a longperiod of time.

When adapting SUS, Ta or Cr for the radiating film 20, by being superblysuperior in terms of oxidization resistance, humidity resistance andcorrosion resistance, a reliable performance of the film can be ensuredfor a long period-of time.

In the present embodiment, the thickness of the radiating film 20 is setat 100 nm. However, a long-run reliability can be improved by makingthicker the film. However, in considering the recording sensitivity ofthe magneto-optical disk as described earlier, the film thickness inaccordance with the thermal conductivity and the specific heat isrequired, and thus it is preferably set in a range of 5-200 nm, morepreferably set in a range of 10-100 nm. By adapting the material havinga relatively high heat conductivity and a superior corrosion resistance,the film thickness can be set in a range of 10-100 nm, and thus the timerequired for forming the film can be reduced in the manufacturingprocess.

Alternatively, a dielectric film (not shown) may be provided between therecording layer 4 and the radiating film 20. As to the material for thedielectric film, the same material used in the transparent dielectricfilm 2 may be used such as AlN, SiN, AlSiN, used in the firstembodiment. Especially when a nitride film which does not include oxygenin AlN, SiN, AlSiN, TiN, AlTaN, ZnS, BN, etc., a reliable performance ofthe magneto-optical disk can be ensured for a long period of time. Here,the thickness of the dielectric film is preferably set in a range of10-100 nm.

The third embodiment of the present invention will be explained belowwith reference to FIG. 40. For convenience in the explanation, membershaving the same functions as those of the previous embodiments will bedesignated by the same code, and the descriptions thereof shall beomitted here.

As shown in FIG. 40, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodimentis composed of a substrate 1 whereon a transparent dielectric film 2, areadout layer 3, a recording layer 4, a transparent dielectric film 21,a reflective film 22 and an overcoat film 6 are laminated in this order.

As to the material for the transparent dielectric film 21, for exampleAlN may be used, and the thickness thereof is preferably setapproximately at 30 nm. As to the material for the substrate 1, thetransparent dielectric film 2, the readout layer 3, the recording layer4 and the overcoat film 6, the same material used as in the previousembodiment. However, the thickness of the readout layer 3 is set at 15nm which is the half of the readout layer 3 used in the firstembodiment. The thickness of the recording layer 4 is also set at 15 nmwhich is the half of the recording layer 4 of the first embodiment.Thus, the respective film thicknesses of the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 are set very thin (30 nm for both).

Namely, in the case of the magneto-optical disk of the presentembodiment, a portion of a light beam incident therefrom is transmittedthrough the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4, and furthertransmitted through the transparent dielectric film 21, and then it isreflected from the reflective film 22.

In the above arrangement, a reflected light from the surface of thereadout layer 3 and a reflected light from the reflective film 22 andtransmitted through the recording layer 4 and the readout layer 3interferes with one another. Thus, the polar Kerr rotation angle becomeslarger by enhancing the magneto-optical Kerr effect. As a result,information can be reproduced with higher accuracy, thereby improvingthe quality of the reproduced signal.

In the arrangement of the present embodiment, in order to increase theenhance effect, the thickness of the transparent dielectric film 2 ispreferably set at 70-100 nm, and the film thickness of the transparentdielectric film 21 is preferably set at 15-50 nm.

The transparent dielectric film 2 is preferably set in a range of 70-100nm because when the film 2 is set in this range, the enhance effect ofthe polar Kerr rotation angle is maximized as explained in the firstembodiments.

The greater polar Kerr rotation angle can be achieved by making thickerthe film thickness of the transparent dielectric film 21. However, thereflective index becomes smaller on the contrary, and if the reflectiveindex becomes too small, a stable servo cannot be carried out.Therefore, the film thickness of the transparent dielectric film 21 ispreferably set in a range of 15-50 nm.

The enhance effect can be increased by setting the reflective index ofthe transparent dielectric film 21 greater than that of the transparentdielectric film 2.

The readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 are both made of rearearth transition metal alloy, and has high light absorptance. Therefore,if the total thickness of the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4is set above 50 nm, a light beam is hardly transmitted therethrough, andthus enhance effect cannot be obtained. Thus, the total film thicknessof the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 is preferably set in arange of 10-50 nm.

If the film thickness of the reflective film 22 becomes too thin, alight is transmitted through the reflective film 22, and the enhanceeffect is reduced. Thus, the film thickness of at least 20 nm isrequired. On the other hand, if the film thickness of the reflectivefilm 22 becomes too thick, a large power is required for recording andreproducing, and thus the recording sensitivity of the magneto-opticaldisk is reduced. Thus, the film thickness is preferably set below 100nm. Accordingly, the film thickness of the reflective film 22 ispreferably set in a range of 20-100 nm.

As to the material for the reflective film 22, Al is preferably adaptedbecause of its large reflectance (substantially 80%) in a wavelengthrange of semiconductor laser. Moreover, when forming AlN by sputtering,the same Al target can be used as when forming AlN of the transparentdielectric film 2. As described, when forming AlN, a reactive sputteringis carried out by introducing mixed gas of Ar and N₂ or N₂ gas, and whenforming Al of the reflective film 22, sputtering is carried out byintroducing Ar gas.

The suitable material for the reflective film is not limited to Al, andother materials may be used as long as it has a reflectance of above 50%in a wavelength range of the light beam, such as Au, Pt, Co, Ni, Ag, Cu,SUS, Ta or Cr.

When adapting Au, Pt, Cu or Co to the reflective film 22, because of itshigh oxidization resistance, humidity resistance, corrosion resistance,etc., reliable performance of the film is improved for a long period oftime.

When adapting Ni to the reflective film 22, because of its small heatconductivity, the magneto-optical disk has high recording sensitivity.Moreover, the disk has high oxidization resistance, humidity resistance,corrosion resistance, etc., thereby ensuring a reliable performance ofthe disk for a long period of time.

When adapting Ag to the reflective film 22, because of its highoxidization resistance, humidity resistance and corrosion resistance,the reliable performance of the film 22 can be ensured for a long periodof time. Moreover, Ag target can be obtained at reasonable price.

When adapting SUS, Ta, or Cr, because of its high oxidizationresistance, humidity resistance and corrosion resistance, a reliableperformance of the magneto-optical disk can be ensured for a long periodof time.

The following description will discuss the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention with reference to FIG. 41 and FIG. 42. For conveniencein the explanation, members having the same function as those in theaforementioned embodiments will be designated by the same codes, andthus the descriptions thereof shall be omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 41, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodimentis composed of a substrate 1 whereon a transparent dielectric film 2, areadout layer 3, a recording layer 4, a protective film 5, and anovercoat film 6 are laminated in this order. The magneto-optical disk ofthe present embodiment has a structure similar to that of the firstembodiment. However, the magnetic property of the readout layer 3 isdifferent from that of the first embodiment as will be described later.

The readout layer 3 made of rare-earth transition metal alloy is aferrimagnetic substance where the sub-lattice magnetic moment of therare-earth metal has a direction opposite to the sub-lattice magneticmoment of the transition metal. Furthermore, the respective magneticmoments of the rare-earth metal and the transition metal have mutuallydifferent temperature dependency. At high temperature, the magneticmoment of the transition metal becomes greater than that of therare-earth metal.

The content of the rare-earth metal is set greater than that in thecompensating composition at room temperature so that the readout layer 3has in-plane magnetization at room temperature. With the projection ofthe light beam, the temperature of the portion irradiated with the lightbeam is raised, and thus the sub-lattice magnetic moment of thetransition metal becomes relatively large. As a whole, the magnetizationbecomes small, thereby having perpendicular magnetization.

As shown in FIG. 42 which shows the temperature dependency of coerciveforce, the readout layer 3 has in-plane magnetization at roomtemperature (T_(ROOM)) and has perpendicular magnetization component attemperature above Tp₁. The readout layer 3 has perpendicularmagnetization at readout temperature (T_(READ)).

The readout layer 3 of the present embodiment is RE-rich where thecontent of the rare-earth metal is greater than the compensatingcomposition at room temperature. Furthermore, the readout layer 3 isRE-rich in range from room temperature to Curie temperature. Here,RE-rich is defined such that the content of the rare-earth metal isgreater than in the compensating composition; on the other hand, TM-rich(to be described later) is defined such that the content of thetransition metal is greater than that in the compensating composition.

The recording layer 4 is made of rare-earth transition metal alloycomposed of a magnetic thin film with perpendicular magnetization. Inorder to store information recorded using the magnetic direction in astable condition at room temperature, sufficiently high coercive forceHc₂ (see FIG. 42) is required. In considering a disturbing factor suchas external magnetic field, etc., coercive force of 100 kA/m issufficient. However, more desirably, the coercive force is set above 400kA/m.

The overwriting operation on the magneto-optical disk by the lightintensity modulation will be explained below.

With the projection of the light beam, when the temperature of therecording layer 4 is raised to the vicinity of Curie temperature Tc₂ atwhich recording is carried out, the magnetization direction of therecording layer 4 is determined by the balance between the staticexchange coupling force exerted used in arranging the magnetizationdirection of the recording layer 4 in the magnetization direction of therecording magnetic field and exchange coupling force exerted used inarranging the respective sub-lattice magnetic moments of the readoutlayer 3 and the recording layer 4 in the same direction. For thisreason, in the vicinity of Curie temperature Tc₂ at which recording iscarried out, it is required to set such that the static magneticcoupling force and the exchange coupling force are exerted onto therecording layer 4 in mutually opposite direction. Specifically, sincethe readout layer 3 is RE-rich in the vicinity of Curie temperature Tc₂of the recording layer 4, the recording layer 4 is required to be setTX-rich. By projecting a light beam having a relatively low power (firstpower) onto the magneto-optical disk, when the temperature of therecording layer 4 is raised to the vicinity of the Curie temperature(T_(L) in FIG. 42), the magnetization of the recording layer 4 becomesextremely small or disappears. Thus, the magnetization direction of thereadout layer 3 is arranged in the direction of the recording-usemagnetic field. The respective film thicknesses of the readout layer 3and the recording layer 4 are set such that the temperature of thereadout layer 3 on the light incident side is higher than thetemperature of the recording layer 4, i.e., T₁₁ (average temperature ofthe readout layer 3)>T₂₂ (average temperature of the recording layer 4).When comparing the exchange coupling force exerted from the readoutlayer 3 onto the recording layer 4 and the static magnetic couplingforce exerted from the recording magnetic field toward the recordinglayer 4, static magnetic coupling force exerted from the recordingmagnetic field to the recording layer 4 becomes stronger. As a result,the magnetization direction of the recording layer 4 can be arranged inthe magnetization direction determined by the static magnetic couplingforce exerted from the recording magnetic field onto the recording layer4.

Next, a light beam having relatively high power (the second power) isprojected onto the magneto-optical disk, and when the temperature of therecording layer 4 is raised above Curie temperature Tc₂ (T_(H) in FIG.42) as in the above process, the temperature of the readout layer 3 israised in the above process. However, in the process of cooling off, thedifference in the temperature in a vertical direction no longer exists,and when the temperature of the recording layer 4 drops to the vicinityof Curie temperature, the condition T₁₁=T₂₂ can be achieved. Here, sincethe magnetization of the recording layer 4 becomes extremely small ordisappears, the magnetization direction of the readout layer 3 isarranged in the direction of the recording-use magnetic field.

Compared with the case where the light beam having relatively low power(the first power) is applied, the exchange coupling force exerted fromthe readout layer 3 to the recording layer 4 becomes relatively greater.Thus, it becomes possible to arrange the magnetization direction of therecording layer 4 in the direction determined by the exchange couplingforce from the readout layer 3.

As in the described manner, the magnetization direction of the recordinglayer 4 can be changed between when a light beam having relatively lowpower (the first power) is projected and when a light beat havingrelatively high power (the second power) is projected. Namely, anoverwriting operation by the light beam intensity modulation method isenabled.

When reading out the magnetization direction recorded on the recordinglayer 4, a light beam having a still lower power than the first power isprojected thereon. Since the intensity of the light beam to be projectedgenerally shows Gaussian distribution, the temperature distribution ofthe readout layer 3 also shows Gaussian distribution. Thus, only thecentral portion of the readout layer 3, smaller than the diameter of thelight beam can be arranged in the perpendicular direction.

The magnetization direction of the readout layer 3 is set so that therespective directions of sub-lattice magnetic moments of the readoutlayer 3 and the recording layer 4 are arranged by the exchange couplingforce exerted between the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4.

In the case where the recording layer 4 is RE-rich in the vicinity ofCurie temperature Tc₂, an overwriting cannot be carried out by the lightbeam intensity modulation method. However, information recorded forexample by the overwrite method by the magnetic field modulation can bereadout.

As in the above explanation, it is necessary to prepare the readoutlayer 3 such that it has in-plane magnetization at room temperature(T_(ROOM)) and as the temperature thereof is raised above Tp₁, atransition occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicularmagnetization at readout temperature (T_(READ)). However, since thereproducing output in reading out is determined by the tilt angle of themagnetization of the readout layer 3, it is not necessary to set thereadout layer 3 so as to completely exhibit in-plane magnetization atroom temperature and to completely exhibit perpendicular magnetizationat readout temperature.

More specifically, if the tilt angle of the magnetization of the readoutlayer 3 differs between at room temperature and at readout temperature,when reading out, only the magnetization direction of the recordinglayer 4 in a portion smaller than the light beam diameter of the centralportion of the light beam can be read out.

An example of the magneto-optical disk, the manufacturing methodthereof, an overwrite operation by the light intensity modulation, andthe reproducing test will be explained below:

In the sputtering device provided with five targets of Al, Gd, Dy, Feand Co, the substrate 1. made of polycarbonate having formed thereonpregroove and prepit was placed so as to confront the target, and airwas exhausted from the sputtering device to 1×10⁻⁶ Torr, and mixed gasof argon and nitrogen was introduced therein, and an electric power wassupplied to the Al target, and under the gas pressure of 4×10⁻³ Torr anda sputtering speed of 12 nm/min, the transparent dielectric film 2 madeof AlN with a thickness of 80 nm was formed.

Next, again, air was exhausted from the sputtering device to 1×10⁻⁶Torr, and argon gas was introduced therein, and an electric power wassupplied to the Gd, Fe and Co targets, and under the gas pressure of4×10⁻³ Torr and a sputtering speed of 15 nm/min, the readout layer 3made of GdFeCo with a thickness of 50 nm was formed. The readout layer 3is RE rich, and it does not have compensation temperature, and the Curietemperature T_(c1) thereof is at 300° C. The composition of GdFeCo isGd_(0.28)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74).

Then, power supply to Gd is stopped, and then power is supplied to theDy target. As a result, the recording layer 4 made of DyFeCo with athickness of 50 nm was formed in the described manner. The recordinglayer 4 is TM-rich at room temperature, and the coercive force Hc₂thereof is set 800 kA/m. The recording layer 4 does not havecompensation temperature, and the Curie temperature thereof T_(C2) isset at 150° C. The composition of DyFeCo is set atDy_(0.23)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.77).

Next, mixed gas of argon and nitrogen is introduced in the sputteringdevice, and an electric power is supplied to the Al target. Under thegas pressure of 4×10⁻³ Torr and at sputtering speed of 12 nm/min, theprotective film 5 made of AlN with a thickness of 20 nm is formed. Thefilm thickness of the protective film 5 is set so that it enables thereadout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 to be protected from beingcorroded by oxidization, etc.

An ultraviolet ray hardening resin is applied by spincoating, and theultraviolet ray is projected thereon, thereby forming a overcoat film 6.

Here, the thickness of the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 areboth set to 50 nm. However, by making the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4 thicker (100 nm), the difference in the temperature inthe film thickness direction could be more effectively used.

The magneto-optical disk thus manufactured is loaded into themagneto-optical disk device, and it is rotated at linear velocity of 10m/s at the laser beam projecting position, and a recording magneticfield of 25 kA/m is applied. Here, the first laser power is set at 6 mW,and the second laser power is set at 10 mW. By modulating the laserpower at a frequency of 5 MHz, a recording operation is carried out, anda reversal magnetic domain with a length of 1 μm is formed on therecording layer 4 at a period of 2 μm.

Next, the laser power is set at 2 mW, and the reproduction ofinformation was carried out. As a result, a magneto-optical signal of 5MHz was obtained from the readout layer 3 according to the reversalmagnetic domain formed on the readout layer 3.

On the reversal magnetic domain formed at a period of 5 MHz, anoverwriting operation was carried out by modulating the laser power at afrequency of 10 MHz. As a result, the reversal magnetic domain formed ata period of 5 MHz disappeared, and the reversal magnetic domain with alength of 0.5 μm was formed on the recording layer 4 at a period of 1μm.

Again, the laser power is set at 2 mW, and a reproduction of informationis carried out. As a result, only a magneto-optical signal of 10 MHzwith a size substantially the same as the magneto-optical signal of 5MHz was obtained from the readout layer 3, which means that in thereadout layer 3, only the magnetization state of the portion having atemperature rise and thus has perpendicular magnetization is reproduced.

The following description will discuss the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention in reference to FIG. 43. For convenience in theexplanation, members having the same functions as those of theaforementioned embodiments are designated by the same codes, and thedescriptions thereof shall be omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 43, the magneto-optical disk of the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention is composed of a substrate 1 whereon a transparentdielectric film 2, the readout layer 3, an intermediate layer 29 made ofan in-plane magnetization film, a recording layer 4, a protective film 5and an overcoat film 6 are laminated in this order. Namely, themagneto-optical disk of the present embodiment has the sameconfiguration as that of the fourth embodiment except that theintermediate layer 29 composed of the in-plane magnetization is formedbetween the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4.

An overwriting or reproducing operation by the light intensitymodulation is carried out as in the same manner as the fourthembodiment. However, since an intermediate layer 29 composed of in-planemagnetization film is provided, exchange coupling force between thereadout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 is controlled, and thus thelayers can be more freely designed.

It is only necessary to set the intermediate layer 29 such that in-planemagnetization is maintained until at Curie temperature of theintermediate layer 29. However, when the temperature thereof is raisedabove its Curie temperature the exchange coupling force exerted betweenthe readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4 is cancelled. Thus, inorder to obtain a still reliable overwriting operation by the lightintensity modulation, the Curie temperature of the intermediate layer 29is set at substantially the same as the Curie temperature Tc₂ of therecording layer 4, i.e., in a range of 150-250° C.

More concretely, the in-plane magnetization film made of DyFeCo is usedin the intermediate layer 29. Other than DyFeCo, TbFeCo, GdTbFe orNdDyFeCo is preferable. Additionally, by adding at least one elementselected from the group consisting of Cr, V, Nb, Mn, Be and Ni to theabove material, a reliable performance of the intermediate layer 29 canbe ensured for a longer period of time. The suitable thickness of theintermediate layer 29 is determined by the combination of the material,composition and the film thickness of the readout layer 3. However, thefilm thickness is preferably set in a range of 1-50 nm. The intermediatelayer 29 is successively formed in the same sputtering device used informing the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4.

In the same sputtering device as the aforementioned embodiment, themagneto-optical disk having the intermediate layer 29 made of DyFeCo wasmanufactured. Other than the above, the configuration of themagneto-optical disk of the present embodiment is the same as the thatof the aforementioned embodiment. Here, the Curie temperature of theintermediate layer 29 is set at 150° C. which is the same as therecording layer 4.

The magneto-optical disk thus manufactured was loaded into themagneto-optical disk device, and the same recording and reproducingtests as the aforementioned embodiment were conducted, and a desirableoverwriting and reproducing properties could be obtained.

However, in the present embodiment, the intermediate layer 29 affectsthe exchange coupling force exerted between the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4, and thus the exchange coupling force becomes weaker.Therefore, an appropriate size for the recording magnetic field was 22kA/m which is different form that of the aforementioned embodiment.

The following description will discuss the sixth embodiment in referenceto FIGS. 44 through 46. For convenience in the explanation, membershaving the same functions as those of the aforementioned embodiment aredesignated by the same codes, and thus the descriptions thereof shall beomitted here.

As shown in FIG. 44, the magneto-optical disk of the present embodimentis composed of a substrate 1 whereon a transparent dielectric film 2, areadout layer 3, an intermediate layer 30 composed of a non-magneticfilm, a recording layer 4, a protective film 5 and an overcoat film 6are laminated in this order.

In recording, if the intermediate layer 30 composed of non-magnetic filmis not provided, a strong exchange coupling force is exerted from thereadout layer 3 to the recording layer 4, and thus the recordingproperty is degraded. In order to avoid this, the intermediate layer 30composed of a non-magnetic film is provided so as to cancel theexchange-coupling force, thereby ensuring a stable recording operation.

For the intermediate layer 30, for example, AlN with a thickness of 5 nmis used. The intermediate layer 30 is provided so that the exchangecoupling force is not exerted between the recording layer 4 and thereadout layer 3. Thus, the AlN is provided between the recording layer 4and the readout layer 3, so as to be thicker than a monolayer. However,if the thickness of the intermediate layer 30 becomes too thick, themagnetic field generated from the recording layer 4, for arranging themagnetization direction of the readout layer 3 becomes too small.Therefore, the film thickness of the intermediate layer 30 is preferablyset not more than 50 nm.

In the magneto-optical disk of the present embodiments the substrate 1is composed of a disk-shaped glass with a diameter of 86 mm, innerdiameter of 15 mm and the thickness of 1.2 mm. On one surface of thesubstrate 1, concavo-convex guide truck (not shown) for guiding a lightbeam is formed with a pitch of 1.6 μm, a groove of 0.8 μm and the landwidth of 0.8 μm. Namely, the groove and the land are formed so that theratio of respective widths are set 1:1.

On the side where the guide truck is formed of the substrate 1, AlN witha thickness of 80 nm is formed as a transparent dielectric film 2.

For the readout layer 3, the rare-earth transition metal alloy thin filmmade of GdFeCo with a thickness of 50 nm is formed as the readout layer3. The composition of GdFeCo is setGd_(0.26)(Fe_(0.82)Co_(0.18))_(0.74), and the Curie temperature thereofis set at substantially 300° C.

With the combination of the readout layer 3 and the recording layer 4,the magnetization direction of the readout layer 3 is substantiallyin-plane magnetization at room temperature, (i.e, the magnetizationdirection of the readout layer), and a transition occurs from in-planemagnetization to perpendicular magnetization at a temperature in a rangeof 100-125° C.

On the readout layer 3, AlN with a thickness of 5 nm is formed as theintermediate layer 30.

On the intermediate layer 30, the rare-earth transition metal alloy thinfilm made of DyFeCo with a thickness of 50 nm is formed as a recordinglayer 4. The composition of DyFeCo isDy_(0.23)(Fe_(0.78)Co_(0.22))_(0.77) and the Curie temperature thereofis set substantially at 200° C.

On the recording layer 4, AlN with a thickness of 20 nm is formed as aprotective film 5.

On the protective film 5, ultraviolet ray hardening resin ofpolyuretanacrylate family with a thickness of 5 μm is formed.

The magneto-optical disk of the present embodiment has the sameconfiguration as that of the first embodiment except that theintermediate layer 30 is provided between the readout layer 3 and therecording layer 4. Using the magneto-optical disk, the same performancetest as that of the first embodiment was conducted, and thesubstantially the same results were obtained. Other than AlN, thefollowing dielectric material may be used such as SiN, AlSiN, AlTaN,SiAlON, TiN, TiON, BN, ZnS, TiO₂, BaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, etc.

Alternatively, non-magnetic metal material such as Al, Si, Ta, Ti, Cu,Au, Ag or Pt or the alloy thereof may be used.

As another example of the magneto-optical disk, the magneto-optical diskhaving a substrate 1 whereon the transparent dielectric film 2, thereadout layer 3, the intermediate layer 30 made of non-magnetic film,the recording layer 4, the radiating film 20 and the overcoat film 6 arelaminated in this order may be used as shown in FIG. 45. The explanationof the radiating layer 20 has been described in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 46, a magneto-optical disk having a substrate 1 whereonthe transparent dielectric film 2, the readout layer 3, the intermediatelayer 30 made of non-magnetic film, the recording layer 4, the secondtransparent dielectric film 21, the reflective film 22, the overcoatfilm 6 are laminated in this order may be used. In this magneto-opticaldisk, the second transparent dielectric film 21 and the reflective film22 are provided between the recording layer 4 and the overcoat film 6.The second transparent dielectric film 21 and the reflective film 22 areas described in the first embodiment.

In the above embodiments 1-6, explanations have been given through thecase of the magneto-optical disk as a magneto-optical recording medium.However, magneto-optical card, magneto-optical tape, etc. may be equallyadapted. Additionally, in the case of the magneto-optical tape, in lieuof the rigid substrate 1, a flexible tape base, for example, a base madeof polyethlene terephtalate may be used.

While this invention has been disclosed in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art-in light ofthe foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within thespirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recording and reproducing method for recordingand reproducing information on and from a recording medium, comprising abase having a property that a light is transmitted therethrough, areadout layer formed on said base, which has an in-plane magnetizationat room temperature, whereas, a transition occurs from in-planemagnetization to perpendicular magnetization as temperature rises and arecording layer formed on said readout layer for recording thereoninformation magneto-optically, wherein a groove for guiding a light beamis formed on a readout layer side of said base, and a groove width isset substantially equal to a land width formed between grooves, whereinsaid recording layer on the grooves and said recording layer on landsare used in recording and reproducing information, and wherein a lightbeam is incident on a converging lens of an optical head, the light beamhaving a larger diameter ω than an aperture a of the converging lens forconverging the light beam on a predetermined position of themagneto-optical recording medium.
 2. The recording and reproducingmethod as set forth in claim 1, wherein the aperture α and the diameterω are set so that a ratio α/ω is in the range of 0.3 to 1.0.
 3. Therecording and reproducing method as set forth in claim 1, wherein, whenan optically effective diameter of the converging lens of an opticalhead for converging the light beam on a predetermined position of themagneto-optical recording medium is α, and when a diameter of the lightbeam which corresponds to a Gaussian distribution intensity 1/e² is ω, aratio α/ω is set in the range of 0.3 to 1.0.
 4. The recording andreproducing method as set forth in claim 1, wherein a wavelength of thelight beam is set within a range of 335 nm to 600 nm.
 5. The recordingand reproducing method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the aperture ais set within a range of 0.6 to 0.95.
 6. A recording and reproducingmethod for recording and reproducing information on and from a recordingmedium, comprising a base having a property that a light is transmittedtherethrough, a readout layer formed on said base, which has an in-planemagnetization at room temperature, whereas, a transition occurs fromin-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization as temperaturerises and a recording layer formed on said readout layer for recordingthereon information magneto-optically, wherein a groove for guiding alight beam is formed on a readout layer side of said base, and a groovewidth is set substantially equal to a land width formed between grooves,wherein said recording layer on the grooves and said recording layer onlands are used in recording and reproducing information, and wherein thelight beam, which has a wavelength shorter than 780 nm, is converged onsaid recording layer by using a converging lenses having a numericalaperture larger than 0.55.
 7. The recording and reproducing medium asset forth in claim 6, wherein said magneto-optical recording medium hasthe grooves having a track pitch less than or equal to 1.2 μm.